Adopt your next companion

Kudos to officials for reportedly rescuing nearly 500 dogs—many of whom were allegedly suffering from sores, open wounds, and skin conditions and were kept in stacked wire cages—from an apparent puppy mill near Bowie (AP story).

I encourage readers who are upset about how these dogs suffered to help put puppy mills out of business by never buying animals from pet stores.

Most pet store puppies come from puppy mills where animals are kept in tiny, feces-caked cages and are never given any love, attention, or even a chance to roll in the grass; where food, veterinary care and shelter are often inadequate; and where female dogs are killed when their worn-out bodies can no longer produce puppies.

What’s more, pet store puppies steal homes from dogs in shelters whose lives depend on being adopted.

If you are ready to provide a dog with a loving home for life, please adopt your new companion from a shelter or rescue group and have him or her neutered or spayed.

For more ways to help, visit www.HelpingAnimals.com.

Sincerely,