| Dobralco Silky Terriers |
| Pet Store Puppies |
| How Much Is that Doggie in the Window?...More than You Think! If you are tempted to "rescue" a puppy from a pet store, think of Loki before you write that check! Loki is a three-year-old dapple who was bought at a pet store for $1000. Like most pet store puppies, he had been bred in a puppy mill. The family that bought him surrendered him to rescue because, they said, their son had changed his mind and wanted a different breed. He was adopted by one of our rescuers, who has spent a fortune on vet bills to deal with the genetic health problems that resulted from his poor breeding. Like his epilepsy, which requires ongoing medication and blood tests ($2500 for blood tests in three years, $300 a year for medication). And his constant dental problems, which have resulted in the extraction of most of his teeth, to the tune of more than $1000. So when you see that sweet face staring out at you from the pet store window and you wonder how much is that doggie in the window, remember: The lifetime costs of caring for a poorly bred puppy mill dog will add up fast. At least Loki survived, unlike many puppy mill puppies, who are so poorly bred that they die before they reach their first birthday. |