I bought Gizmo at a pet store without realizing that the vast majority of pet stores buy from puppy mills. I have since found out that he did come from a puppy mill although I don't know the conditions of the mill.
Everyday hundreds if not thousands of puppies are born from parents that are sick, hungry, mistreated, unloved, and caged without exercise just so people like me can purchase one.
After some research on my part I've come to realize that even when these mills are located and supposedly shut down the so-called-breeders just open up another one under someone elses name.
The only thing that can be done about these mills is that we STOP buying from these people so that they will have to go out of business FOREVER!
There are people everyday that are buying from a pet store who either are or are not aware of where these little guys come from. So I hope this page gives the information needed to prevent you buying from them.
A little note to all of this, anything that seems like a "good deal" as far as price etc,...probably isn't!!

Here is an article I found about how to avoid puppy mills:


**How to avoid a puppy mill**

Some simple precautions could help you recognise a potential puppy mill.

•Beware breeders who will not let you see their kennels, the mother or other relatives.
•Avoid breeders who have numerous "popular" breeds and many litters.
•Do not buy from a breeder who will not provide a certificate of vaccination. Beware of high prices crossbred dogs.
•Buy only from reputable breeders, preferably on reliable recommendations.




**The link below will take you to another page of mine that gives definitions of puppy mills, backyard breeders and general information:
Thank you Susan for creating this and allowing me to put it on my page
Definitions

**Please Read**
10 Reasons Not
To Buy From
A Pet Shop



Below are a few links with information about puppy mills and also some links on how to go about finding a reputable breeder.

Stories and Information about Puppy Mills:
Dog Owner's Guide: What is a Puppy Mill?
Pet Mills, Animal Brokers and Animal Auctions
Prisoners for Profit
Puppy Mills
A Plea for Help
Information on Puppy Mills
Munchkins Uncovered--The True Story
Victims of Greed
Don't Buy That Doggie in the Window!
Scenes from a Deathcamp
Puppy Mill
Don't Buy that Doggy in the Window #2
Puppy Mills & Pet Stores
WTNH News Channel 8 / News (breeders)
What you can do help stop Puppy Mills
A Lesson On Pet Store Puppies




How to Find a Reputable Breeder:
Questions for Breeder
Is your breeder experienced?
How To Find A Quality Puppy And Reputable Bre...
IS THIS BREEDER REPUTABLE?
Responsible Breeders
Untitled (How do you know if your breeder is reputable)

Below is a link to another page of mine that defines what those classifieds ads are really saying when you go to buy a pet. I would like to thank Karen Thayne Italian Greyhound and also Judy Longhouse for creating this and allowing me to put it on my page!

READING CLASSIFIED ADS