No Pet Store Puppies Day, July 21, 2024

No Pet Store Puppies Day, July 21, 2024

No Pet Store Puppies Day is celebrated on July 21 to raise public awareness of puppy mills and their connections to pet stores that sell puppies, kittens, and rabbits. This day encourages people to adopt their best friend from a local shelter or rescue or to do their research and find a legitimate breeder. 

 Do your research before making a purchase, and always meet the parent dogs where they live to ensure you’re not supporting a puppy mill. Better yet, adopt your next best buddy from one of your local shelters or rescues!

Mom's Grand Father's best friend started the SPCA in Calgary and Mom's pawrents and grand pawrents were firm believers that adopting was best (as was spay and neutering) for both dogs and cats. Mom grew up with both. All the befores came from the SPCA or the Pound or the Humane Society. But Mom has to confess...Back in the last century (1998) our hairy slobbery sister Bob (Roberta) was bought at a pet store!

Shortly after the first hairy slobbery sister, Kokanee, passed over the bridge, Mom was walking through the mall to take Nellie Bellie to the vet, A gorgeous Aussie Shepard puppy with one blue eye looked up at Mom through the window of the store and she melted. Mom asked the vet about the pet store and the puppies. The vet said the puppies came from a responsible breeder and he had just checked out all the puppies and given them their shots. The breeder did not normally sell at a store, but her husband had a heart attack and she did not have the time (or energy) to take care of the puppies while she found them homes. She asked the vet what she could do and he talked to the store. 

Hairy Slobbery Sisfurs Bob and Sam with Nellie Bellie

Bob (that cute puppy) was the the first pet that did not come from a local shelter. A year later, Mom and Dad wanted to get another dog and asked the vet about Bob and the people who had her Mom. This time they got Sam (Samantha) from the farm where they were born. Bob and Sam had the same Mom (but different Dads) and they were the best dogs ever! As a matter of fact, they were both here when Cinnamon came to live with us! Bob was like a Mom to Cinnie. 

So today, we are reminding people to do your research before getting a puppy. Alas, because of Covid Puppy Mills are still common and they often sell the puppies through pet stores.  We know that many of us are now aware of the dangers of the puppy mill industry and it is important to remind or educate others who may be unfamiliar with the pet shop industry.

Our Newest sisfur, Nutmeg, is a rescue - sort-of. 

She came from a farm up the valley and was bought by an older lady who found she was far too rambunctious! She gave her to Mr T across the street and he too found that very active puppies and older people with mobility issues are NOT a good combination! Mom was not sure she wanted a young puppy but now (even me) are glad she is part of our family!