HORRIBLE experience at Pet Store last night - what to do?

[Tink]

How sad!
I'm glad you shared the story. It's all too common to those who know about Puppy mills, but it really hits home when you witness the results first hand and share the story with others. Even those who "know" can be helped by reminders... so we can all speak out and try to prevent as much of this neglect and heart ache as possible.

I belong to a local board that has a pet section and this weekend a new "pet store" in the area was advertising for breeders to contract with to sell puppies. My stomach turned when I read it. I and other breeders there have been trying to get the message across that a pet shop is NOT the place to buy pets... and it seems to be getting through to people because so far no one has responded to their ad on the site. The moderators there are VERY conservative, so if I were to post a response to them about why no one should sell pups to them I know it would be deleted and I'd likely be banned. So I'm keeping my nose out of there and just trying to educate people as the chance presents itself. Much as I'd like to lace into them, I know I can do more good by holding my tongue (or in this case fingers) so I can stick around to spread the word in other ways.

I did however send off a PM to one of the site mods tonight hoping that she will agree to remove the post... so wish me luck. I am afraid that with the economy what it is, it might entice more puppy mills to start up or help support established ones in my area and that idea scares me.

[dgeggis]

Wishing as much luck as possible. I used to think it was cute to see the babies at the pet stores.. But now that I
understand where they come from - well lets just say that any pet supply store that sell kittens or puppies, doesn't get any of my business. I can always go to the shelters to see cute pupples and kittles.

[Jac]

Tink, it is probably not likely to happen, but what if you contact the pet store and ask them to reconsider selling live puppies? You might try to educate them!
Maybe if you send them links to puppy mills and explain why responible breeders are fighting against pet store pups, they may listen...and you could suggest that they do what Petsmart is doing in inviting rescue groups to bring pups or kittens in on certain days...without becoming puppy brokers.
Maybe if you explain that most of your breeder friends would likely buy supplies from them if they do not sell puppies, but if they do, you won't visit their store.
You never know...

[dgeggis]

That would be an awesome suggestion.