September is National Puppy Mill Awareness Month

National Puppy Mill Awareness Month encourages those looking for a new pup, to adopt, not shop.

It is estimated that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills in the United States, fewer than 3,000 of which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Florida has one of the country's highest number of puppy-selling pet stores, which often source puppies from out-of-state puppy mills.

Which is why Cavalier Rescue of Florida AND ALL RESCUES ARE A LABOR OF LOVE and so important for these beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. September is a national observance dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and spread the word about DEPLORABLE puppy mills. While reputable dog breeders care for the cavalier breed they raise, puppy mill /momma dogs serve one purpose - pop out pure-bred puppies for profit. Mill dogs are systematically imprisoned in a world of dirty, cramped, too-small cages and surrounded in filth; often stacked high upon each other; and, usually confined outdoors in the harsh elements of extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow. The cage with wire flooring digs into their paws causing more pain. Medical care is nonexistent at worst and minimal at best.

It’s the only world these pups know unless they get a “golden ticket” and are scooped up by the loving embrace of rescue. While some pups are lucky to get saved, many more continue to suffer. Heart wrenching. This is where many of senior cavaliers come from, a life of breeding and then when they “age out,” they are cast aside to an auction or worse.

Without rescue, these pups may well have spent their entire lives suffering in unimaginable conditions, never knowing love, care, or companionship. If more people knew what puppy mills were, less people would buy Blenheim, Ruby Tri-Color or Black and Tan Cavaliers online and from pet stores.

So, this September, please take a moment to spread awareness about puppy mills this month and every month from now on. The more people that know about it, the sooner we can get rid of these horrible facilities once and for all.

• Share information about puppy mills on social media or just tell a friend.

• If you know someone who’s looking for a dog, steer them toward shelters & rescues.

• If you know someone who shops at a pet store that sells puppies, educate them and encourage them to shop somewhere else.

Love, The Cavaliers. xo