Puppy Mill Awareness by: Sharon Spevok

DIRECTIONS, DONATIONS and CONTACT INFO

Directions to "FIDO's Backyard": From I-79 in Fairmont, West Virginia, use Exit 136. Follow signs to East Marion Park. Proceed into the park and look for Pavilion #5 signs across the parking lot and to the left. Follow that road to the end at the softball field parking lot. On the far left, a road will lead you around and down the hill behind the ball field. You will come to the parking area and the entrance to the dog park.

If you would like to make a donation, please send your check made payable to MCPARC with "FIDO" noted in the memo to MCPARC, 319 Monroe Street, Fairmont, WV, 26554.

Go to http://www.mcparc.com/ for more information about our park as well as other parks and activities available in Marion County, West Virginia. Check out the "virtual tour" of FIDO's Backyard!

If you would like to be added to our FIDO e-mailing list, please send your request to kellyjogarcia@yahoo.com

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Puppy Mill Awareness by: Sharon Spevok

A puppy mill is a dog breeding facility with the sole purpose of churning out litter after litter for profit. Typically, these animals have inadequate veterinary care, exercise, diet and shelter. Due to the frequent poor breeding conditions, puppies in these mills often suffer from health and/or social problems. Theses dogs are sold in pet stores, auctions, and through the internet.

Puppy mills are a serious problem as breeding for profit has dramatically increased. Thousands of puppy mills exist in the United States as well as overseas. Anything to make a dollar has become the idea, and the innocent animals are suffering for it. It takes you to put a stop to it. Let's help educate people so we can help stop the horrendous practice of puppy mills. If you're looking for a companion, do your research on reputable breeders visiting where the dog is raised or consider a rescue/shelter dog. The Humane Society of the United States has tips on how to avoid buying puppy mill dogs. For more information visit
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34751720
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/dogs_rescued_from_west.html

Just one of the many breed rescue groups is Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue. I had the rewarding experience of fostering a precious rescued cavalier who was recently adopted by a wonderful family in Pennsylvania. I spent months working with him to overcome his fears. He is on the path to recovery and now accepts the touch of a human hand. Please view the video posted below.