Last week, Daily Corgi reader and rescuer Anitra F. took part in an Iowa puppy mill rescue organized by National Mill Dog Rescue.
These are her words and photos. Sincerest thanks go out to her for sharing these, and to all of those who took part in rescuing the mill dogs, as well as those who have supported them financially and in spirit.
Some of the photos aren’t easy to look at, but keep scrolling down the page to see the change in these Corgis’ faces.
You won’t want to miss them!
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“The rescue group I work with — Secondhand Hounds — partnered with Whipstaff Ranch and Rescue, and we were each able to take four. It was sooooooo hard to pick, but I know the rest were headed off to start great new lives in Colorado and elsewhere.”
“Most of them were in not so bad shape. Matted, dirty, really long nails. About the worst of it were a couple of ears that looked like they may have been partially chewed off years ago.”
“A few were quite dejected, while others were amazingly chipper! The eight we had didn’t make a peep the entire six hour drive back. Then they got baths, vaccinations, and went straight to their foster homes.”
“I’m actually not fostering a single one of them. I found enough crazy Corgi people to take them. Who knew there were so many of us in Minnesota? For un-socialized mill dogs, they all seem extremely receptive to people, which is great. Put ’em outside and they cheer right up!”
Boss, looking very GQ.
“Bruce plays hard to get …
… but deep down inside he’s a real charmer.”
According to her foster Mom, Bubbles is “a little spitfire.”
“She’s the friendliest little girl ever, making up for lost snuggles.”
Beautiful Bettina!
“Their new fosters are having a grand time with them as they walk into glass patio doors and learn what dog food is! None of them are remotely house trained. Never been in a house before.”
“They’ll have a whole lot of transitioning to do to learn about the good life, but the good news is that they get that chance!”
If you are interested in adopting Bruce, Boss or Bubbles, contact Secondhand Hounds through their website HERE.
For information on the four Corgis who went with Whipstaff Ranch and Rescue to Minnesota, visit their website HERE.
There were many other dogs pulled from the puppy mill in this rescue effort, including Corgis. For further information, contact National Mill Dog Rescue.
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Friends, these rescued Corgis are “the lucky ones” from the mills. Not all mill dogs know such mercy. After years spent in cages producing litters destined for sale in pet stores, these saved ones will know sunlight, loving hands and the lives that are their birthright.
In spite of what they’ve endured, it seems to me that an indomitable spirit is still alive and well in these dogs. That’s just plain amazing — but then again so are Corgis!
Please think twice before buying a puppy from a pet store, on-line or via classifieds. Meet the breeder, make sure you know where that pup is coming from and what kind of living conditions are provided for the dogs. Ask QUESTIONS! A reputable breeder will welcome them.
Encourage and enlighten your friends and family, too.
Yours in the love of dogs,
Laurie
Many thanks to all those involved in the rescue and fostering of the dogs. And thank you for sharing their story. May the dogs thrive in their futures.
so happy for them