Sat 19th Aug: Damn breeders again

This is where bulldog puppies come from

The condition of dogs that come to us from breeders is often shocking, and it's fair to say that we have never had an ex-breeder dog that was fully healthy on arrival.  Sometimes the problem is internal, like the beagle Anna who is now happily in a new home, but most have infectious parasites like scabies and ear mites.   However, what was really upsetting about the bulldog that came today was not just the general state of near collapse, or even the fact that there is half a toe missing (but that's bad enough), it's that this particular breeder was one we reported in the hope that they would be prosecuted for cruelty.  The result?  Zero, nothing, other than a visit from AFCD to helpfully offer to rabies vaccinate and license the few dogs that the breeder admitted to keeping (the rest were hidden away).  If even there was proof of a pathetic system that aids and abets backyard breeders, this is it. There is a constant feeling of beating heads against brick walls, and no matter how many times and how many different cases I have presented in the hope of seeing a prosecution, nothing ever happens.

Again, no words

There were two more breeder dogs that came with the bulldog, a pair of dachshunds that seem to be related to the previous ones we have taken in.  The male isn't microchipped as another example of a useless system,  but all three will have to be taken to AFCD on Monday, and then obviously to see a vet as a matter of urgency.  At this point I have no idea of age or condition.

Although they haven't arrived yet I was also asked if we'd accept two schnauzers from a breeder, and of course I said yes.

Schnauzers coming 

Moving on to some good news, an earlier ex-breeder dog, Jack Russell girl Hermione, left the Homing Centre today for a trial with the family's resident dog, and tiny pom Harry was adopted.

Harry the pom will be a friend for the Maltese

There was also a major improvement in Carter and his behaviour after "sister" Susie was taken for fostering.  I had hoped that by separating the two traumatised returnees they would do better, and it turned out to be so.  After a day in her foster home Susie has started to open up, while Carter has been mixing happily with the other dogs at the Homing Centre.  From now on things can only get better for them both, and hopefully they will find new homes and a new life as happy dogs.

Super-sweet Tanner

So now there is Sunday's Whiskers N Paws Puppy Afternoon to look forward to, with the knowledge that there will be at least two boys from last weekend who won't be needing homes, Cameron and Enzo.  Will Cameron's brother Tanner be lucky this time round, or perhaps Troy?  Will funny Alfie win someone's heart with his infectious happiness?  Watch this space.

Alfie is such a happy boy

Troy has the benefit of a foster home