FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Carol Ann MacKinnon, Program Coordinator, 985-3244 ex. 117, carolann@animalwelfaresociety.org
The Final Days of the Buxton Puppy Mill Case: leaving an imprint that will last forever
Over the last month, lead agencies in the Buxton puppy mill seizure have been placing the dogs and pups up for adoption and are now in the final stages of the biggest puppy mill case ever in Maine. This is the happiest part of the saga, of course.
On August 21st, what in some ways seems like an eternity ago and in others seems like just yesterday, the state of MaineÕs Animal Welfare Program asked The Animal Welfare Society of West Kennebunk and The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland to care for approximately 250 animals who had been severely neglected and over-bred for the purpose of monetary gain. The two shelters dove in with both feet overcoming whatever obstacles they encountered along the way. This has been a long hard venture placing an enormous strain on both sheltersÕ budgets and staff, but finally, after months of treating the animals for various diseases under the supervision of the Animal Welfare ProgramÕs state veterinarian, Chris Fraser, and almost 100 births, the state was awarded custody of the animals. All were spayed and neutered and relinquished to the shelters to adopt out into new loving and well-informed homes.
You see, puppy mill dogs need a very special kind of adopter. People have been urged to be realistic about their expectations and, although some dogs will adapt to their new homes somewhat easily, others will simply never, even with an unconditional and bottomless pit of love, be what some families originally expected to be the dog of their dreams. Many exhibit behavior problems stemming from lack of socialization and, though one canÕt tell by looking at them now, many had open sores, mange and severely matted fur that needing to be shaved off when AWS and ARL began caring for them. The long and short of it is that these sweet beasts have been through a severe trauma and many will deal with its emotional effect for the rest of their lives. They will need time and patience.
The Animal Welfare Society has adopted over 100 dogs and pups into new homes, doing their best to make sure peopleÕs expectations are met and that each individual dog is placed into a home that best suits his or her needs. The society has been doing follow up calls to assist with any behavior issues that new families might feel uncertain of how to handle and their slow and deliberate approach has paid off as theyÕve seen only a smattering of returns.
Coco the Shih TzuÕs new family says that as soon they saw her it was a mad scramble to adopt her. Nova (her previous name at AWS), and her brothers were being fostered along with their mother. As soon as the pups became available they went up on a very snowy day to go adopt her. Their resident dog, Niko, after taking a couple of days to get acquainted with his tiny new sister, is now her best friend says her new family: ÒÉone day Coco went on NikoÕs pillow while Niko was lying there, and he stayed! He has showed her where the bathroom areas are outside, and she follows him all over. She sometimes chases him and tries to bite his hind legs and he puts up with it for a little while then he turns around and barks at her until she lies down."
Molly is a Mini Australian Shepherd who moved to her new home on December 10th. When she first went home she didnÕt want to do much except stay in her crate and watch. Once in a while her new family would take her out and hold her, but she couldnÕt stop shaking. After a couple of days, she began eating well and stopped shaking all of the time. With a regular routine Molly is thriving and loves playing with her new friend, Sam, a 3 year-old tri-colored Collie.
The Zappala family adopted Shiloh, a Pug, in early January and brought her back to AWS for a visit. Beaming with pride, they say that Shiloh loves her new home and that there is never a shortage of laps to sit on!
These are just a sampling of follow-ups on the 100 adoptions that AWS has done. Each dog and new family has a different story to tell, but one thing that remains constant is their love for their new family member!
If you would like to make a donation to help please contact The Animal Welfare Society at 207-985-3244 or The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland at 207-854-9771.