This Friday, March 21st, is National Puppy Day. While National Puppy Day may sound a bit silly (after all who doesn’t love a puppy?!) but in reality puppies are vulnerable to a number of conditions and threats. Moreover, the way a puppy is treated when it’s young is a huge determinant for how it will behave when it’s older. Long gone are the days when dogs hunted for food in the wild outdoors; in modern society, puppies almost exclusively rely on humans and when we fail them, they may face danger or even death.
One way to help ensure that all dogs are protected is to closely examine the way puppies are bred and acquired. Many pet stores who sell puppies use “puppy mills,” a heinous disservice done to the parents of the puppies who are born there. These breeding mills, including a backyard breeders, typically confine animals in unsanitary and cruel ways and use deeply disturbing methods of breeding. Moreover, because these mills operate with the purpose of making as much money as possible, dogs are frequently inbred which can result in a puppy with severe health problems or disabilities. These puppies are likewise sold off to unsuspecting owners who find out later that their new member of the family may need a lot more care and money than they predicted. Consequently, many of these puppies are then abandoned later. While puppy mills are in business, no one wins.
Some people are not aware that there are lots of ways to acquire a puppy without purchasing one from a pet store or puppy mill. Adopting a puppy through a local animal shelter or ASPCA is a great way to find a new best friend while simultaneously decreasing the demand for puppy mills. Some pet stores work with local animal shelters; if you are uncertain whether or not you are “adopting” a puppy in need rather than one produced for money, ask the store for information on where their animals come from. Some stores use the term “adoption” when what they’re doing is actually selling you the puppy. Stores that are genuinely adopting out puppies in need will be able to provide you with contact information for the animal shelter with whom they are working.
If you already have a puppy, congratulations! Seriously, you know by now that a dog (or two or three) in the home can be of joyful experience. During puppyhood, you get to see a dog learn about the world around them and it’s a pleasure to behold. Watching a puppy try climbing upstairs for the first time or fall over on the couch from a lack of balance is fun and endearing. Seeing your pup learn how to fetch, how to perform tricks, and the way they will bond with and protect other loved ones in the home was something you don’t want to miss. Spending enough quality time with your puppy is not only helpful and important for their emotional and physical well being, it’s also an important time for you to learn about their individual personality and to bond as family members.
Puppies are a joy and can infuse an individual or family with a tremendous level of love and affection. Celebrate National Puppy Day by giving a puppy from love and affection yourself.