THE PUPPY MILL PROJECT IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THEY HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS BENEFICIARY OF CAMP DOGWOOD 2013

Sleepover summer camp for dogs and their owners helps raise awareness for Mothers in the Mills in a quest to end puppy mill cruelty

CHICAGO, IL (APRIL, 2013)-The Puppy Mill Project is honored to announce Camp Dogwood, one of Animal Planet TV’s Planet’s Best Dog Friendly Destinations, has designated their non-profit organization as recipient for Camp Dogwood fundraising efforts for 2013 Spring and Fall Camps. The Puppy Mill Project and Camp Dogwood share similar missions, with the well being of all animals in mind.

Created to educate the public and raise awareness about the systematic animal cruelty in puppy mills, The Puppy Mill Project’s goals align with Camp Dogwood perfectly,” says Cari Meyers, Founder, The Puppy Mill Project. “Their emphasis on animals’ health, behavior and bond, builds positive relationships between owners and their animals within our community. Our organizations together have the animal’s best interest at heart at all times.”

Money raised through silent auctions at each camp, referrals to Camp Dogwood and fundraising efforts such as “Scrub’ Em Yourself” self-wash dog washes will go to The Puppy Mill Project.

“We believe all animals have the right to a good life,” says Alysa Slay, Camp Dogwood. “If we can help puppy mill animals experience love, we know we are doing a good thing.”

The Puppy Mill Project usually doesn’t spearhead dog rescue operations. In fact, the Chicago-based advocacy group has a lot on their plate focusing on educating the public about puppy  mills and their connection to pet stores and Internet pet sales. They  also focus on changing laws related to pet sales. But a few weeks ago,  they were pressed into action because of a developing situation in  Southern Illinois.

Elanna Bradley, a rescue volunteer and animal control officer  stumbled into a puppy mill while trying to chase down a stray dog. When  she knocked on the door, several dirty, matted, smelly dogs came running out and she learned that at least 40 dogs were living on the premises.

She continued to reach out to the puppy mill operator until the  breeder finally accepted her help a few weeks ago. That is when Bradley  found out there were 93 dogs that needed rescue and her largest rescue  to date had been more like 10 dogs. She reached out to her friend  Hillary Singer who volunteers for The Puppy Mill Project and she  connected Bradley to the organization’s Vice President Janie Jenkins who reached out to the organization’s founder Cari Meyers.

That is when the massive collaboration started to take root. Jenkins called on Colorado-based National Mill Dog Rescue, a group that focuses just on puppy mill rescue and rehabilitation. That rescue was full but connected her with the North Shore Animal League (NSAL), another group with extensive puppy mill experience. They agreed to take 70 dogs.

Another Jenkins connection – The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society – took in 12 dogs about 10 days ago. Rescue ME Clifford, a group that rescues from downstate Illinois and adopts in Chicago and  elsewhere, helped set up and pay for the transport. Other groups that  stepped up included Labs of Love in Indianapolis; Guardian Angel Bassett Rescue; Dirk’s Fund that took in two Golden Retrievers; Be Fido’s Friend in Chicago.

Transport help for the big rescue was offered by Shannon McGuiness  out of Missouri who worked with Michel Burkhart to drive the 70 dogs to  meet the NSAL transport. Dogs were removed from the property thanks to  Rob and Pam Schuchert of Schuchert Lock Shop who donated their vehicle  to help. It was a great collaboration that shows what can be  accomplished when so many groups work together.

How you can help

The Puppy Mill Project would love to help out with more rescues like this or to provide funding to other groups that rescue mill dogs. In order to do that, they need your help in the form of donations and other support. The organization holds their annual Mothers in the Mills benefit on Saturday, May 11 – the day before Mother’s Day.

It’s their way to honor the mother dogs left behind in the mills. The event will be at John Barleycorns in River North. There will be music,  food and cool auction items – like a signed Blackhawks jersey. Go online for more details and to get tickets. The money raised helps the group with their education and advocacy  work. It also helps with other rescues like this – check out the slide  show below to get a feel for why this work is so important. If you can’t make it but want to help out with this rescue and others in the future, go online to donate.

CHICAGO, IL (APRIL 6-7, 2013) – Thanks to the tireless efforts put forth by The Puppy Mill Project, a non-profit organization educating the public on inhumane puppy mill practices, Chicago’s oldest pet store, Collar and Leash, (1435 N. Wells St.) is the first in the city to go humane and will no longer sell animals bred in puppy mills. To celebrate, The Puppy Mill Project hosted a successful grand re-opening April 6 and 7. Hundreds turned out to congratulate and support The Puppy Mill Project and Collar & Leash on their huge accomplishment, including 47^th Ward Alderman, Ameya Pawar. There were on-site animal adoptions, featuring pets from Adopt a Bull English Bulldog Rescue and Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

“The re-opening of Collar and Leash as a humane pet store is a highlight of The Puppy Mill Project’s years of hard work, and a example of our future goals,” says Cari Meyers, founder of The Puppy Mill Project. “We are overjoyed with the publics response and are proud to be a part of this transformation. This is just the beginning of a humane Chicago.”

Sonja Raymond, owner of Collar and Leash, began exploring alternative options to selling pets over five years ago after noticing many animals coming into the store with genetic defects and incurable illness. Although Collar and Leash always stood by the sale of their animals, she began uncovering the truth behind some breeders and saw many were doctoring medical records, producing animals strictly for profit. Raymond wanted more for the animals, and for her family’s business, a Chicago institution for almost 60 years.

The Puppy Mill Project is providing assistance, guidance and direction to Collar and Leash to facilitate their complete transition to a humane pet store business model. Collar and Leash is in the process of building partnerships with several specific breed rescues as well as mixed breed organizations that will help facilitate the adoption process through the store. Collar and Leash is also exploring alternative animal rescue organizations including ferret, bunny and reptile groups. They will continue to have hamsters, guinea pigs and small pets available.

CHICAGO’S OLDEST PET STORE, COLLAR & LEASH, GOES HUMANE

First, of what hopes to be many Chicago pet stores, helps make a statement

to put an end to puppy mill cruelty

CHICAGO, IL (MARCH, 2013) – It’s a fact that 99% of all puppies sold at pet stores are from a puppy mill, bred in deplorable conditions. The Puppy Mill Project recognizes most people aren’t aware of this staggering statistic and make it their mission to educate the public about inhumane puppy mill practices. Therefore, they could not be more thrilled to announce that Chicago’s oldest pet store, Collar and Leash, (1453 N. Wells St.) will no longer sell animals bred in puppy mills. Thanks to the tireless efforts put forth by The Puppy Mill Project, this Chicago institution is going humane and to celebrate, they will host a re-grand opening weekend Saturday, April 6 from 10 am-6 pm and April 7, from 11 am- 5 pm.  There will be animal adoptions on-site as well as Broadway Animal Hospital performing wellness checks and vaccinations.

Sonja Raymond, owner, Collar and Leash, began exploring alternative options to selling pets over five years ago after noticing many animals coming into the store with genetic defects and incurable illness. Although Collar and Leash always stood by the sale of their animals, she could no longer turn a blind eye and began uncovering the truth behind many breeders. Inhumane breeders were slipping through the cracks, medical records were being doctored, and animals were producing strictly for profit. Raymond wanted more for the animals, and for her family’s business, a Chicago institution for almost 60 years.

“We’d been in touch with The Puppy Mill Project Founder, Cari Meyers for a long time, and realize it’s time we take this jump with them to help make a statement to put an end to puppy mills. This truly is going to be an adventure,” says Sonja Raymond, owner, Collar and Leash. “We will no longer buy and sell cats and dogs from mills and are proud to align ourselves with The Puppy Mill Project.”

The Puppy Mill Project will provide assistance, guidance and direction to Collar and Leash to facilitate their transition to a humane pet store business model. Through outreach and education, The Puppy Mill Project will help Collar and Leash incorporate an adoption program and to abandon selling puppies as products. Collar and Leash is in the process of building partnerships with several specific breed rescues as well as mixed breed organizations that will help facilitate the adoption process through the store. Vaccinations and wellness checks will be made available onsite and Raymond says “this is not just about not selling puppies anymore, but about community wellness and awareness as well.”

Collar and Leash is also exploring alternative animal rescue organizations including ferret, bunny and reptile groups. They will continue to have hamsters, guinea pigs and small pets available.

“For three years since I founded The Puppy Mill Project, Collar and Leash has been on my radar,” says Meyers. “As the oldest pet store in Chicago I felt they would be my biggest challenge in getting them to go humane, as they were so ingrained in the community. It’s my biggest hope that as they become humane, other Chicago pet stores selling dogs and cats will follow in their footsteps.  I am very proud of Collar and Leash for taking this gigantic step, and The Puppy Mill Project will do all we can to support them.”

Raymond adds, “This mission is personal. Collar and Leash was founded by my husbands’s grandmother in 1956. It’s been a family business since. Last year, my husband’s mom passed away and up until her death, she was working with me towards this humane model. My husband, his brother and I are moving forward as a family to keep the business alive in an ethical and respectful way.”

ABOUT THE PUPPY MILL PROJECT

Based in Chicago, Illinois, and founded in 2009, The Puppy Mill Project is a non-profit organization created to educate the public and raise awareness about the systematic animal cruelty in puppy mills.

Since 2009, The Puppy Mill Project has been successful in closing down four stores that were selling puppy mill dogs, and converting several others to a “Humane Pet Store Model”.  They have facilitated the rescue of over 200 puppy mill dogs. The organization has successfully educated hundreds of school-age children through its’ Humane Education Program, as youth outreach is very important for the future.

Cari Meyers, the Founder, has made it her passion and life’s work to put an end to puppy mill cruelty. This is done through community events, peaceful protests, humane education, donations, and the media. It is the only organization in Illinois dedicated solely to ending puppy mill cruelty. For more information, please call 847-261-4245, or visit www.ThePuppyMillProject.org.

Included on this page is information acquired from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture that pertains specifically to Puppiesrus.org and Puppies R’ Us pet store Chicago, Illinois. This is public information.

Breeders and puppy brokers that supply Puppiesrus.org and Puppies R’ Us pet store Chicago, IL (click image to enlarge)

Lush Cosmetics Awards Grant to The Puppy Mill Project for educational billboard and more.

December 5, 2012
Just in time for the holidays, a 20 x 60 ft billboard was installed at North Ave. and Kingsbury heading eastbound in the heart of Chicago.
The “It’s Not Cool To Be Cruel” campaign launch is crucial because the holiday season is upon us and puppies are high on the wish list for many children. Cari Meyers Founder of The Puppy Mill Project would like more parents to get the message that puppies aren’t presents and that they can not be easily be returned when things go wrong.
“So many people don’t realize the origin of pets purchased in pet stores or on the Internet. They are led to believe they are purchasing a healthy puppy from a good breeder”. Mothers in puppy mills suffer in cramped cages with no veterinary care and no socialization. When people purchase puppies from pet stores or thru the Internet, they are contributing to this cruel industry. The mother dogs are sentenced to life in cruel mills.
“We are really excited to have the support of LUSH Cosmetics, which is a socially responsible company that has donated millions of dollars to non-profit groups,” says Meyers, “The more people we can educate, the closer we are to ending animal cruelty.”

LUSH is also including The Puppy Mill Project in their Changing The World, One Pot at a Time Charity Pot Program.

Please join us December 8th!

Lush Cosmetics 859 W. Armitage Ave 12-3 PM.
We are honored to be partnering with Lush to kick off our new campaign, “It’s Not Cool To Be Cruel”.
Please come out and join the party. There will be samples, demonstrations, refreshments, and a lot of fun. If you have never tried Lush before, this is the time. Their products are amazing!

Although I could see the grass below, the only thing my paws ever touched were the metal bars of the cage in which I lived. I lived with 6 other Poodles and a Shih Tzu, ranging from 9-14 years old, in a southern Illinois Amish puppy mill my whole life. We never left our cages.

In the summer of 2012 the puppy millers decided they were “getting out of puppies”, and going to raise chickens, as they were not making enough money. That was the beginning of a new life for us. We were rescued by many dedicated people who wanted to make sure we would be prisoners no longer. They contacted The Puppy Mill Project and the plan was set into motion.

TPMP arranged ground transport to a local airport where a fantastic pilot from “Pilots for Paws” loaded us onto a small private plane and flew us to Michigan to our freedom. We arrived at The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society for the first stop on our road to our new life. We have all since been adopted into kind and loving homes and are living the lives of happy dogs. We are chasing balls, barking at squirrels, eating treats, and running with the wind with the grass under our paws.

Thank you to The Bissell Pet Foundation for paying all of our vet bills and making us feel so healthy. Thank you to Little Traverse Bay Humane Society for finding us incredible homes.Thank you to Pilots for Paws for flying us to freedom. Thank you to The Puppy Mill Project for changing our lives.

The Puppy Mill Project, although not a rescue, has had the opportunity to facilitate the rescue of over 200 dogs. We are continually alerted to the condition of thousands of dogs that need rescue and will do our part to facilitate even more rescues in 2013.

For the coming year we have created The Puppy Mill Project Rescue Fund. You can now earmark your donations specifically for the fund if you choose to. 100% of all donations for this fund will be used for transportation, vetting, and all of the other costs related to the facilitation of mill dog rescue.

With gratitude,

“The Puppy Mill 8″
and
The Puppy Mill Project

Help us facilitate the rescue of more dogs. Please donate to The Puppy Mill Projects Rescue Fund


Click on images to see the rescue slideshow.

The 18 X 12 calendar makes a great holiday gift for friends and family, even co-workers and special clients.

Watch Video Preview

At $19.99 each, this is the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life. Every penny raised from the sale of the calendar will go directly to raising awareness and educating the public about puppy mills and their direct connection to pet stores, internet advertisements and advertisements of dogs for sale in the newspaper.

Hazel Coleman is a mega breeder with 98 breeding dogs and 45 puppies on her property. A recent USDA inspection shows Hazel Coleman was cited with violations by the USDA for filth and matted dogs.

Click link to see customer complaints compiled by PetShopPuppies.org for the breeders and brokers that sell to Pocket Puppies Pet Store

Commercial breeders and puppy brokers that supply Pocket Puppies Pet Store Chicago, IL (click image to enlarge):

Pocket Puppies buys puppies from USDA breeders that have USDA violations.

Pocket Puppies buys puppies from USDA breeders that have USDA violations.

Included on this page is information acquired by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture that pertains specifically to Furry Babies Pet Store Peru, Illinois. This is public information.

Commercial breeders and puppy brokers that supply Furry Babies Pet Stores (click images to enlarge): Updated info coming soon.

Furry Babies buys from large amish puppy broker Abe Miller’s House of Pets in Fresno Ohio