Dog Auctions

Whoever has not heard me speak of the horrors of puppy mills has not spoken with me lately.
About 2 1/2 hours from our home in Minnesota is Clark County, Wisconsin. This county has a very large Amish and Mennonite community and due to the very lax laws within the state of Wisconsin, the communities breed puppies as a way to make money. This in and of itself is not bad, however the dogs are not treated humanely as the Millers think of them as livestock (not pets). The dogs are placed in kennels (wire cages), stacked within cold barns, no bedding, flooring, etc. Some puppy mills will do there own vetting, including spaying, neutering, c-sections, etc...with no anesthesia. If the dog/puppy dies... oh well, there body gets thrown in a pile and another takes their place. The breeding dogs are not socialized, have deformed feet (due to the wire floors), are matted, dirty, and diseased. These are the purebreed puppies which are sold to pet shops and the public which is not aware of these conditions supports the millers.

Well, in Thorp Wisconsin (Clark County) Horst Auctions holds a dog auction every six months. The most current auction on March 11, and I decided I needed to attend to actually see this event. I was hoping I would not be arrested, nor come home with a bunch of dogs.

Originally, we had 5 of us from the rescues going but as it got closer we were now down to three. We made the 2 1/2 hour trek and arrived about 30 minutes before the auction was to begin. Outside there were the protestors holding signs. At the door there was a sign that would not allow cameras, cell phones or recording devices. Heather, Kim and I walked through the kennel area and looked at the dogs. There were appr. 240 dogs. Most were clipped, but a few were matted and some of the older dogs had deformed feet. Even though there were no min pins, I decided to get a bidding number. Just in Case!!!!

We sat up in the bleachers and overlooked the floor, where most of the bidding took place. You could usually tell the rescue groups based on the number of women in the party and how they reacted. As we looked around the room, you saw groups of Mennonites, Amish, rescues, breeders, families with kids and couples looking for pets. Even a couple of police officers to maintain the peace.

As the bidding started, the dogs were brought up to the platform, the auctions would state their DOB, type of dog, male/female and would let you know if there were any conditions such as a hernia, pregnant and when due, in heat, proven, bred, etc.
When the first few dogs, were brought up I was overcome with emotions, realizing that the fate of these dogs rested in the hands of the bidders. As the rescue groups were bidding against each other, the prices were getting higher. Some dogs went as high as $800. There were Yorkies, Chihuahua puppies, Westies, Poodles, Papillions, English Bulldogs, Bichons, Chows, mixed breed dogs, puppies and adults and many other small breed dogs. One rescue group bid on alot of the dogs and had to have spent between $5000-7000 total. An adorable 8 week old Chihuahua went to an Amish man for $210 and as the puppy was placed back in the kennel, you could only imagine its fate. The pregnant females were held up on two legs so you could see their bellies, two female dogs had hernias but were sold to a breeder. A female with this type of hernia should not get pregnant. Some dogs, such as the Cairn Terriers went for $25 - $50 each. Even though I did not keep track, I would have to say the average price was between $150-$250 per dog. After 2 1/2 hours, the auction ended. We left quickly and drove away, all of us not wanting to spend money at the Auction house concessionaire stand. We would rather give our money to another establishment.

After much thought, I am not sure the rescues are doing any good. Based on the high $$ they were paying for the old, sick and healthy dogs, are they encouraging the millers to continue to breed and sell their dogs instead of giving them to the rescues. Are the rescues helping the dogs, and encouraging the millers to breed more. Beacause if they can't sell them, they know the rescuers will pay big $$ at auction. Are they getting more money at the auctions, then from the pet stores?

Even though we went and saw the auction first hand, I don't think I can even began to decide what is the right answer to my questions. The only thing that can stop this cycle would be to ban dog auctions. I do not live in the state of Wisconsin, but in every state there are laws which can protect the animals against being treated inhumanely. I would encourage everyone to check to internet and contact your local legislation to ensure this type of auction is stopped and there are laws to protect the animals.

Pet Food Survey

Jessica is doing a pet food survey to become a nutritional advocate and as a class project. I would greatly appreciate any and all help. She would prefer only 2 pets per person, one cat and one dog
would be ideal, but two dogs would be fine.

She needs to know species, age, what brand of food is fed, its form (dry, canned, both), Where it is purchased from (grocery store, pet store, vet, etc.), and why you buy that particular brand (vet recommended, price, commercial ads, pet likes the taste, on special/coupons, variety, other).

Please send your responses to debhenrich@yahoo.com

Thanks again for your help.

Snow and more SNOW Yuch!!

Well, it started this snowing & blowing mess around noon. Everyone at work freaked out so I sent everyone home early. What a mess.... When I got home I was able to get up the street, but could not make it into the driveway. I had to park, call Bob to find out how to use the snowblower and I blew out the driveway so I could park.

Rick is out front again at 8:45pm snowblowing the driveway, so that when Bob gets home at 10:30 he can park. It is still coming down and blowing. I had heard it was supposed to stop at 6-7 pm, but it doesn't seem to be letting up. On a good note, they did plow the street....It usually does not get plowed and the cars can now make it up the hill.

It is going to be a fun drive into work in the morning. Hopefully, it will stop snowing soon and the plows will have this mess cleaned up by morning.

Everyone has been giving me a hard time about not blogging, so here are some updates. Roo's adoption was finalized. We still have Rambo who is making progress, but very slowly. I picked up two 1 1/2 year old sisters on Friday night. They are very cute, but need some discipline and manners. I already have a potential adopter and he is interested in taking both of them. Very exciting that they get to stay together.

March 11, I will be attending the dreaded puppy mill auction in Wisconsin. I hope all goes well and I don't get arrested. There are 4-5 of us attending and I hope we can stay out of trouble and keep our emotions in check. I do think we will come home with some dogs.......

Needed Rest

I took Friday and next Monday off from work. I need some rest! Well, of course while on my rest break.... Roo was adopted! Yipee!!! I have had him almost two months and was starting to think he was getting too attached to us. He went to a middle aged single guy and I think it will work out wonderfully. Of course, he has a one week trail period, so everyone keep your fingers crossed.

Even with this heat wave (45 degrees) we are having I did not go anywhere today. I stayed home, listed stuff on ebay, and watched TV (did the dishes, but I don't want to admit to that).

Tomorrow we are going to spend the day with Bob's mom and Dan. We are going to Red Wing shopping (Antique malls) and have lunch. It should be a really good time.

I won an annual pass to the movie theater at The Mall of America and in the past week have seen 4 movies. I head up there after work (by myself) and see the latest movies.
So I am going to give you my opinion on what I have seen based on five Stars. Five Stars being the best.

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons ****
• Gran Torino ***** (Tear Jerker)
• Ink Heart*** (good for kids)
• Slumdog Millionaire ****
  

We still have Mr. Rambo, he was a Puppy mill dog who has NO Socialization skills. We have had him appr. 3 wks and he is still terrified of me. He is warming up to Bob very slowly. He will need a home with someone who has a lot of patience and love. Any Takers????

Jessica set a tentative date!!!!

Jessica called with a tentative date for her wedding. October 9, 2010!! Everyone mark it on your calendars. Now comes the STRESS!!!!

We have been very busy this week. I took Thursday off work and Bob & I drove to Wisconsin (2 hours) to meet the WI min pin regional coordinator who had picked up two puppy mill dogs from the Milwaukee humane society. They are both scared to death of people!
We immediately stopped at the vet and got them their rabies shot (the only thing the WI humane society did not do). Finnian is the small fat guy. Who was so afraid he was crawling on the ground and looked like a turtle. Poor Guy! Finnian went to another foster home and they are working with him on socializing him to people. I took Mr. Darcy and immediately changed his name to Mr. Rambo. He is a big guy who weighs appr 18 pounds and stands 16" tall. This is large for a min pin. He also is extremely afraid of people. Bob & I are both working with him daily, but so far see very little progress. The terror in his eyes when you try to pet him or talk to him is clearly apparant. He is not aggressive at all and shakes when he is picked up. I am hoping that time, patience and love will heal his inner wounds.

We are having a min pin playdate/fundraiser on 1/18 and I have been busy making doggy treats and belly bands. We are hoping to be able to raise funds to help more dogs.

On the same day, I picked up the two guys from WI. Kim, one the the MN reg. coordinators picked up a little girl. She weighed appr. 3 pounds and should be at least 6-7 pounds, she is appr. 2 yrs old and could not use her rear legs. The diagnosis was not good, but Kim took her to the vet who prescribed streoids and hydrotherapy twice a day. Everyone.....did not think this little girl had a chance. She was taken away from a home who stated they found her on their doorstep frozen to a box, but the police said in the past they had removed other abused dogs from the same home. GREAT NEWS! I got an email from Kim today and LaTee is now walking. She is using one leg about 75% and the other about 25%. This is after only two days of therapy, food and love. Pictures of LaTee are above - The bottom pix is the first day she came in unable to walk and the one on the top is today...

Happy New Year!

Well, another year has come and gone.... Bob had to work on NYE so I decided to go to the casino. I was home by 9:30pm. I lost my small allotment and came home. I was tired and was asleep before midnight.

Today, we decided to list more items on ebay and spent the early afternoon listing. I had really slacked off the last few weeks due to the holidays. We now have "45" active auctions and will try to keep them going. We still have a ton of stuff to list.

Roo is back.....He was adopted for one day and bite the woman's son in the nose. Not a good sign! I am not sure how we will ever get him adopted. He will need a adult only home with someone who is familiar with the breed.

Another busy weekend

It seems that the weekends just fly by. Rick wanted to go down to Cabela's yesterday and the three of us trekked down there and by the time we got home it was dinner time. Of course, while we were down there we had to go to the Antique mall. I can't believe I did not find anything to buy!!! It was amazing as I always find something.....

Last night I started making belly bands for the min pin fundraiser. I made about 10 before I ran out of velcro. We had to make a trip to Mill end fabrics first thing this morning to pick up more velcro and I found some more fabric. I think I have enough to make about 30-40 of these things. If they all don't sell I will donate them to the foster homes to use.

This morning we got an application for Roo. We set up the home visit in Maple Grove at 2 and came home dogless. We now have NO FOSTERS!!!!! I wonder how long this will last.........

Then I came home and started to put away the Avon (that I needed from the auction). Bob is still going throught the boxes and finding what I need and the rest I sell on ebay. This week with the holidays I did not list much. But we still have an overwhelming amount of boxes downstairs to go through and list.

I made about 5 more belly bands now I am ready for bed.... I think I need a vacation!