Theresa did her best in the little time she had with Lily to make up for years of abuse and neglect in the puppy factory.
Have you ever wished you could confront the people responsible for your dog’s suffering?Theresa Strader started the National Mill Dog Rescue in 2007 in memory of her Italian greyhound Lily, who served as a poster child for the abuse and neglect that puppy mill dogs face.
Lily had been a breeding dog for the first seven years of her life.
According to the website, here is her story:
“Lily spent her entire day confined to a small, cold wire cage in a dark, foul-smelling barn.” She never left her cage for exercise or socialising. Lily was compelled to supply one litter after another amid her drab surroundings, with no break. She, like all commercial breeding dogs, was a veritable breeding machine whose worth was assessed solely by her ability to produce puppies.
Before being rescued, Lily had been subjected to a barrage of abuse in the interest of profit. National Mill, Dog Rescue is the source of the image.
Lily was extinct at the age of seven. She had received little to no veterinary treatment throughout her life, which had been quite upsetting to her. Years of neglect, low quality food, rabbit bottle watering, and a lack of adequate chew toys have caused the roof of Lily’s mouth and mandible to decay. Her chest was covered in mammary lumps, and she or he was terrified of people.”
She was finally given the attention and love she deserved. National Mill, Dog Rescue is the source of the image.
Lily abandoned the ghost reception in May 2008 and sought sanctuary in the arms of her adoring adoptive father and family. Only fifteen months after she was rescued.
Thersea penned the subsequent powerful letter while attempting to influence Lily’s death. While it is targeted to Lily’s breeder, we hope it will reach out to anybody involved in the breeding or sale of dogs in mills.
This letter, reproduced with permission from the National Mill Dog Rescue, may be found here:Rescue: Hello, Martha.
It had been fifteen months since we first met. You probably don’t recall much about me. We met in your world, on your property, after all. Since that day, pieces of your universe have become a significant part of mine. For that, I and a large number of others are grateful.
In February 2007, I received an email with the subject “50 Italian Greyhounds in need” and a phone number. Having always had a soft spot for the breed, I dialed the number to find out what the tale was and how I could assist. I’m sure you can guess where this letter is going now.
Yes, on February 17, 2007, your kennel would close its doors after more than 40 years in operation. After four decades of mistreating pets, it’s time to retire and unwind. That day, 561 canines will be auctioned, with 49 of them being Italian greyhounds.Greyhounds. It was without a doubt that I could assist, however I must state that I had no notion what I would discover through the procedure. Due of transportation constraints, I realized that if I was to save those pups, I might have to travel bent Lamar myself. So, on February 16th, my daughter and I left for Missouri.
Understand, I’ve spent my whole life working in dog rescue, fostering and placing homeless dogs, caring for sick or injured dogs, supporting overcrowded shelters, and so on. I’ve always been aware of puppy mills and pet store puppies, but I’ve only ever had rescued animals in my home. To be clear, I am NOT AN ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. What I am is someone who believes in the right of all living beings to compassionate treatment.
Everything I’ve seen on your property, Martha, is far from human.humane. Many anxious, ill faces were imprisoned in their wire confines, some watching me, but most were too afraid to look into my eyes, unsure how to interpret human interaction. That has given me several sleepless nights, and to this day, the sadness and hence terror in their eyes haunts my own existence.
I am completely aware that you are simply operating within the guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture – what a heinous concept. I’m also aware that commercial breeding canines are seen as livestock in your circles. Martha, dogs aren’t livestock. Men domesticated dogs thousands of years ago to be our protectors, hunters, herders, guardians, and, most importantly, companions.
I brought nine Italian Greyhounds, two Dachshunds, and two Papillons home with me. In over 25 years of rescue work, none of the dogs I have cared for have suffered physical or emotional harm.suffered. Because the next few months will symbolize my lifelong education because it is tied to preserving pets.
However, the focus of this letter is solely on one of these canines. This puppy will always find her and my family’s home here… #251 – The AKC registered “Reedgate’s Swift Motion.” Swift Motion was the name of an Italian greyhound who was never ready to run. She had spent her entire existence in a cage, so her legs lacked the strength to enjoy the joys of running. A terrible reality for a breed that was designed to run.
We removed the chain from her neck, fitted her with a nice collar, and christened her Lily. Lily was released at the age of seven years and one month.
Lily is one of the rare dogs who does not have a mandible. I’m curious how you would explain why so many of your dogs were affected by this illness. I’m curious whether you were ever concerned about their pain or how they were able to eat enough to stay alive. I’m curious how many people died in your care as a result of this disease. I’m curious if you even noticed. Beyond the rotting faces, I’m sure you noticed something else: their ability to produce puppies. That’s what your company is all about: creating puppies at whatever cost.
Lily has become an invaluable member of our family. Despite her numerous health issues and tremendous worries, she eventually found her bravery with a lot of love and care. No one could resist her love when she did this. Men, women, and children cried as they listened to her story and had a great time meeting her. Lily’s life was not about what she could do for you, but rather about how we might make amends to her in the form of a comfortable and caring home.
It was excruciating for our family to witness her endure four surgeries to remove breast tumors, mend her deteriorating face, and spay her — removing the papery black, pus-filled organ that was once her uterus. You’re such a jerk; you’ll never know her anguish, only bucks.
Every meal Lily consumes is a struggle because of your neglect. We tried a variety of meals and methods to make it simpler for her to eat. But, in the end, she had to try it her way, the way she learned at your house, the way she kept herself alive for you – picking kibbles out of her bowl with her feet, spreading them around the floor, then rubbing the “good” side of her face along the ground to catch a kibble on her tongue, then extending her neck upwards and swallowing it whole. Martha, believe that. How would you like to consume only one meal in this manner?
Do you recall sitting in my car after the auction ended? The men were collecting the dogs that I had “won.” You told me, “I just love my Italian Greyhounds.” Oh, the ideas that raced through my mind when you said those words. Martha, you don’t like dogs. What you could do is spend forty years of your God-given life exploiting pets for personal gain. There is no mention of their physical or mental health, only of their ability to reproduce. Believe the thousands of dogs who passed through your hands – you deprived each and every one of them of the simple pleasures they so well deserve. an honest meal, a warm and safe place to sleep, medical attention, and, most importantly, a partner to make their lives complete
In our family, Lily has learnt a lot about being loved, being a dog, and being a worthy person. I’ll always be concerned by the fact that she never learned how to run or play. But she learnt how to love and be loved, for which she had no words. She forever altered our life.
Lilly struggled for seven years as a breeding dog in a puppy mill. National Mill Dog Rescue is the source of the image. Lily died on May 13, 2008, at the age of eight, which is approximately half the predicted value of an Italian Greyhound. Martha, she died as a direct result of the neglect she endured in your care for seven years. How many others have suffered a similar fate?
This industry has been kept secret for far too long. The word is out, and the clock is ticking. People like you will soon move into fields of honest labor, leaving the care of God’s animals to those who sincerely love them
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