Puppy Mill Survivor

“Opal” - 16 years, Beagle

In the spring of 2007, rescue volunteers attended a puppy mill auction in southeastern Missouri with the hope of saving as many puppy mill survivors as they could. After most of the dogs had been auctioned, there were a few old dogs left. The auctioneer announced anyone could have us or we would be shot on-site. The rescuers grabbed us old dogs not even knowing what they would do with us. They started contacting breed rescue groups. Eventually, they reached out to the Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland for help with two old beagle girls who they agreed to take.

I was one of those old beagle girls.

When I came to my new home, I had numerous mill-related health issues including a fungal infection, mange, cancerous mammary tumors and large ulcers between all my toes from standing on metal grating for my entire life. After a week of tending to my medical issues, attempting to get me to eat and trying to get me to show interest in life outside a cage, I finally stated to recover.

My tumors have been removed, my fur has grown back and after several months of treatment, the sores between my toes have cleared up. Gradually, I began to let them touch me and I have even gotten to the point where I sleep next to my owner at night. Despite having only a few teeth, I have turned into a healthy bossy little girl who runs the house. I am also the proud owner of a pink princess bed that is all mine and I like to fuss if anyone comes near it! My story is true a Cinderella story (& I have the Princess Bed to prove it!)

Read more about other Puppy Mill Survivors and Missouri's Puppy Mill Problem.