It is that time of year again, when the shelters are teeming with animals all desperate for forever homes, and people are thinking about adding a pet to their lives just in time for the holidays. A pet does NOT make a great gift. It is a serious commitment and undertaking, a ‘marriage’ that can endure for at least 15 years depending on the age and breed and type of pet. Many of our dogs have lived to well over 16 and our cats to over 18.

Many people are eager to help a dog with an unfortunate background, and puppy mill rescue dogs certainly fit the bill. The trouble is that if an adopter is looking for a ‘normal’ dog, they might be sadly disappointed with their new furry friend. The truth is that puppy mill dogs, especially the breeding females, often lack a lot of the basic people-friendly skills their new human might be hoping for.

They might be confused on a leash, very timid and scared, and have toileting issues. They might go inside the house all the time, go at will anywhere they like, and so on. The good news is that the ASPCA has produced this excellent page to give you some pointers on what to expect if you are considering taking on a dog who has been rescued from a puppy mill: Puppy Mill Dog Advice from the ASPCA.

Read this carefully before deciding if you have the patience to deal with a puppy mill rescue dog. Many of them are very biddable and loving and eager to please their new owner, so if you are willing to give them a second chance, they will be more than grateful.