Backyard Breeding-the worst hidden-in-plain sight atrocity

As you may have read in past blogs, the backyard breeder is no friend to shelters nor rescues. As a rescue volunteer I take in the "products" that have reached their expiration date and are no longer cute, cuddley nor bring in a profit.

I have been watching in the local paper a particular backyard breeder advertise all summer long that they have puppies.  So I called them.  This was how our conversation went: I asked if both male and female were on sight and was advised only the female was. When I asked how many litters this female has had the lady answered, "2".  I asked how old the puppies were  and she answered "9 weeks".

When I asked how many series of shots the puppies have and the cost, the lady got a little testy.  She said "They have 2 and you have to get the dog fixed and the dogs cost is $900.00 ! ! !"  Trying to get information from her was like pulling teeth.  When I said, "You seem to be a little irritated.  If you want me to pay $900.00 for a puppy, don't you think I should be entitled to ask a few questions?"  She hung up on me.

These little ones do not have a voice.  They go to whoever has the money. They could be going to a puppy mill across state lines or to the next door neighbor. They could be going to a research center or a dog fighting ring for bait. 

Wake up people.  Look around and help us protect these creatures that, if created, deserve a good and safe life.