Puppy Mill Survivor

“Miles” - 6 3/4 years, Great Dane

My parents were rescued from a backyard breeder in southern Missouri. It was the classic tale of neglect where the dogs were left outside with insufficient food, shelter or medical care. The rescued Danes were barely recognizable as Danes. They were very small, extremely malnourished with worms and mange. My mom, came into the Dane rescue pregnant with what was to be a litter of 13 Great Dane puppies including me. Had my parents not been rescued, I shudder to think of what could have happened to me. That was the first time I was rescued.

The Dane rescue found new homes for all of us dogs. However, the home to which I was adopted violated the rescue's adoption contract. The rescue worked diligently to have me returned and finally succeeded in rescuing me a second time. A month after I was returned to the rescue, I was adopted by my forever family. I was 8 months old, 142 pounds and so happy to be with a good family!

My new family says that I'm a very colorful, expressive and a good-natured soul that brings a smile to everyone I meet. If I had not been rescued, my story would not have ended happily. The sad part is that in Missouri, there are far too many dogs that are not rescued.

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