Puppymill Awareness-People Magazine Nov....
I am the proud owner of 2 West Highland White Terriers. My Katie Jo was born with a silver bone in her mouth & has never known a harsh day in her nearly 3 years. My Chloe Rose, on the other hand, spent her first 7 years producing one litter after another. When we got her she was a mess--our vet said her teeth were in bad shape from neglect & chewing on her wire cage, the spots on her skin were from untreated allergies, her stomach sagged in loose folds from too many puppies, etc. She had never known love and a comfortable home, and didn't know what a treat was. Now her coat is thick, her tail wags, and her eyes look happy. Nothing has affected us as deeply as the look of profound sorrow in our Chloe's eyes. It took nearly a year for that look to go away--it still comes back occasionally, but we are able to help her replace it with love, patience, and play. We can only imagine the horrors of her first 7 years, and work to help other dogs to not have to endure the same. ...