Puppy Mills

One of the things we are fully against here at Woofles and Meowz is the purchase of live animals from stores. The following info and link is from www.shutdownpuppymills.com. There is some interesting info on the site that explains the pitfalls of animal purchases from pet stores.
As you can see from our store at www.wooflesandmeowz.com we never have or would have live animal sales here. There are way too many options with the pet rescue organizations and reputable breeders. Tips of the day for picking a reputable breeder are this:
1. If the breeder has been in business for a good length of time that is longer than the recent boom in dog ownership in the last 4 years.
2. The breeder has exceptional stock that is well known and "papered"....that is the dog is not a mixed breed dog that they decided to breed from theirs and a neighbors.
3. The breeder has adequate and professional facilities and equipment.
4. The breeder has a good relationship with a Vet that will give a referral.
5. Other pet owners that have got an animal from the same breeder can give a referral.
6. The breeder has a portfolio of whom the animals were sold to and some contact with at least a couple or few of the owners.
7. The VIBE...if you are wary and it seems like the dogs are handled in a poor manner or the breeder is not forthcoming with information....walk away.
.............and of course...do your homework. Always pick a dog or cat for that matter that will fit your lifestyle. I cannot stress this too much.
There is also a great television show that I like very much and find the trainer to have similar style of teaching to myself...perhaps a bit abrasive but the message must be made to certain people that "you must do the work now that you have committed to an animal" its only the right thing to do. Check out that show host :

Brad Pattison
Brad Pattison has been professionally remedying dog behaviour for over 15 years. Brad uses revolutionary techniques derived from his studies of domesticated dogs, wolves and coyotes.
Brad’s unique methods involve communicating with dogs in a way they understand – through body language.
Brad founded the first Dog Day Care Centre in Vancouver, creating the concept that is now used around the world. He created the first Street Safety training program, and runs courses that teach other dog educators his skills. His ‘Six Legs to Fitness’, a workout program involving owners and their dogs, has been featured on Discovery Channel’s ‘Daily Planet.’
During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Brad mobilized friends and created the Pattison Canine Rescue Team. The team spent several weeks in Louisiana and New Orleans rescuing dogs from the floods. Featured on Discovery Channel’s ‘Daily Planet.’
Brad has appeared on CBC’s Venture, Lifestyle Network’s Gentle Doctor, PBS’ Sesame Street, and the upcoming Three Takes for Slice™.
Brad was the host of Yuppy Puppy, his own radio show and is a frequent guest on radio stations across the country. He has appeared in newspapers and magazines such as Dog World, Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

...................and the show at http://www.slice.ca/Shows/Host.aspx?Root_Title_ID=105200

WOOF!!!!