She can guard the gates of Doggie Heaven after she receives her heros welcome

By zoeystory | Published: November 21, 2010

I have been postponing writing this blog for the last few days because this story is so heart-wrenching.  However, I think everyone of our readers should be introduced to precious Target.


Meet Target!


Target was one of 3 dogs regarded as heroes after they intercepted a suicide bomber attempting to enter soldiers barracks after sneaking onto a base in Afghanistan in February.  Target and her two mates, Rufus and Sasha, snarled, growled and generally wouldn’t allow the suicide bomber access to the 50+ soldiers inside the barracks.  The suicide bomber detonated himself outside of the barracks, sparing the lives of all of the soldiers; unfortunately, the attack caused grave but non-life threatening injuries to Rufus and Target and killed Sasha.  The base’s soldiers, including medic Sgt. Terry Young, nursed both Rufus and Target back to health along with the 5 soldiers who had also been wounded in the bomb attack.


Rufus and Target together


When their tours ended, Sgt. Young and his fellow soldiers raised thousands of dollars to bring the two surviving dogs back to the United States where they received the hero’s welcome they so richly earned.  As their story of heroism and recovery became publicized, Rufus and Target won the hearts of many Americans, even appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Sgt. Young eventually brought Target home to Arizona, where she became part of his family, which included three children.  Target learned to play, fetch and play the role of family member those of us who have and love our dogs are so familiar with.


Rufus and Target receiving media attention


Sadly, it is with great remorse and a heavy heart that we must inform our readers that Target was euthanized earlier this week.  She had slipped out of her loving home via a doggie door and was picked up by animal control.  Sgt. Young found Target via an online photo on the local shelter’s website and called them to let them know he would be coming in to pick up his dogs.

Unfathomably, hours before Sgt. Young pulled into the Pinal County Animal Care and Control Center in Casa Grande, Arizona, Target was mistakenly euthanized.  Target had been taken out of her pen on Monday morning, mistaken for another dog because she hadn’t been microchipped or had other external forms of identification and euthanized.  The shelter worker who euthanized Target has since been fired and a full investigation has been ordered after another shelter worker came forward voicing concerns over similar practices.

This terrible tragedy has devastated Sgt. Young’s family and broken the hearts of those of us who had gotten to know Target from a distance.  Everyone involved deserved better, most especially Target.  Our hope is that wherever Target is, she has found a place to run, eat, love and has received a true hero’s welcome.   Z~

Posted in Dog Stories, Dogs, News, Protected Paws, Updates | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Responses

Runaround Sue

By zoeystory | Published: October 30, 2010

While reviewing the Schindler inspection report, I could not get past the discrepancy of opinion between the investigators, who noted time and again that the dogs at the Schindler mill were essentially being housed in incredibly unsanitary conditions and multiple statements from the attending veterinarian, Sue Sculley, who repeatedly indicated that medically, the dogs were in great condition.

Small cage + snow = BOO & BRRRRrrrr!!!

Again and again, the Schindlers were cited for the lack of adequate space provided for their dogs and puppies.  There is a very simple calculation for determining the space needed for housing dogs, which is as follows:  (length of dog in inches + 6) x (length of dog in inch floor space in square inches).  Also, each female (bitch) that is nursing puppies must be provided additional floor space to effectively whelp them.  If the amount of floor space per each nursing puppy is less than 5% of the minimum housing provided for the bitch either the attending veterinarian (for a research facility) OR a state administrator (for breeders/exhibitors) must approve it after inspection.

Not enough space? Ummm, 85 yards missing space!

The Schindlers attending vet, Dr. Sue Sculley, provided the Schindlers with an UNDATED note indicating, “all bitches and puppies in the designated whelping houses have sufficient floor space based on breed and behavior.  I approve the current housing used for bitches and puppies.”  The USDA inspector found this approval insufficient and indicated that in 4 out of the 6 cases it reviewed the space provided for mothers and their puppies did not even meet the minimum space required for dogs that weren’t whelping puppies.  The mill was also found to be non-compliant in this regard on 3/08/2010.

I reviewed just the 6 cases the inspector referred to in the report, which focused on basset hounds, cocker spaniels and schnauzers each with 5-9 puppies each.    In just these 6 cases alone, the dogs were missing 85 yards of space that was supposed to be provided for them.  85 YARDS!!!!  15 more and the dogs would have been missing an entire football field.   And remember that the Schindlers had at anytime between 700-1000 dogs at their facility; extrapolating the 6 case studies to that population is mind-boggling.

They are missing as much of a football field that Arkansas QB can throw in the air!

Of additional concern was Dr. Sculley’s statement that she had had a relationship with Herman and Bonnie Schindler since May 1990.  Now think of that level of collaboration and closeness when you read her comments regarding the Schindlers and their dogs:  “This is a professional breeding facility that has high standards, not only for the quality of their breeding stock and the care and well-being of their animals, but also for the living standards of the animals that continue to strive to provide adequate care and maintain reasonable health and wellness standards. All health issues are addressed in a timely and prompt manner. Sincerely, Dr. Sue Sculley, DVM”

Seriously, I must ask how a veterinarian would really sign their name to a statement legitimizing the work of a business like this?  Doesn’t she realize she’s possibly putting her professional reputation and even credentials on the line by telling such a baldfaced lie, not to mention potentially giving other veterinarians who work with breeders a bad name, even those who are legitimate and work to ensure that the breeders actually do adhere to an adequate standard of care.  Shame on you Sue!

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The Schindlers — Part 3 and a Call to Action

By zoeystory | Published: October 28, 2010

Herman Schindler ramming his car into the Fox2 Cameraman

So, hopefully you’ve read Parts 1 and 2 about Herman and Bonnie Schindler, owners of the puppy mill that is closing and auctioning off its dogs starting tomorrow -YES TOMORROW!  The details about the auction are here.  Close to 700 dogs are for sale (this number does not include puppies).  If you live nearby MO and want to make a small difference, please peacefully protest this auction (not the auction company – this is NOT about SWKennel Auctions – this is about a puppy mill that has been in business far too long and has treated its dogs deplorably) OR go and adopt one of these dogs if you are considering a new addition to the family.

I am sure some will be taken aback by my suggestion of adoption.  However, if it comes to you buying a dog at a pet store or you buying a dog from a dog auction I would much rather see a dog taken out of the life of constant breeding and possible maltreatment rather than the money go right back into the pocket of the pet store and puppy mill owners, which will only allow them to continue the puppy mill cycle.  And if you are thinking about adopting one of the dogs, please get in touch with the people rescuing them; given the number for sale, there will certainly be one available and in need of a good, loving home.  You may also contact us for information.

Two things stick out from the auction list: (1) Bonnie Schindler’s statement, in which she takes on the guise of a kindly, sickly old woman who’s moving on because of her and her husband’s illnesses; and (2) the concurring statement of Dr. Sue Sculley, DVM, who indicates that she has worked with the Schindlers since 1995 and vouches for the good condition of the animals (given the USDA reports, she must be blind).

Recently, the FOX affiliate in St. Louis did a story on the Schindlers, following up on the findings in the USDA documentation.  The reporter went to the Schindlers facility in Mexico, MO and to the store in St. Peters, MO where the Schindlers dogs were being sold.  This video makes clear than neither Herman nor Bonnie are in all that bad of shape or that they’re all that kindly.  Herman Schindler actually takes his vehicle and rams into the cameraman with Bonnie declaring they get off their property (even though they are on a county road).

It also provides an inkling into how profitable this enterprise was for the Schindlers, who leased inexpensive store fronts and cut out the middlemen and retailers.  Happily, in a follow-up report done by Chris Hayes, the owner of the strip mall in St. Peters will no longer lease space to the Schindlers, once he learned the true story behind Herman and Bonnie’s grandparently facade.  Hats off to the strip mall owner!






Posted in Animal Rescue, Animal Rights Activism, Dog Auctions, Dogs, News, Puppy Mills, Selling puppies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Responses

Schindler’s List – Part II

By zoeystory | Published: October 27, 2010

Unfortunately there is a Part II to Schindler’s List. I have reviewed the latest inspection report from 07/14/10 and summarized it below.  You can see the facts for yourself directly from the inspection report found here.  FYI, the * seen throughout the report indicates repeat violations from previous inspections done in March 2010 and November 2009.

Meet Zoey's father, Corkie, who lived on wire at a puppy mill in MO

*HOUSING & ENCLOSURES

  • Not enough space for the dogs, not counting the puppies, to make normal postural adjustments and avoid their own feces (we will get into this in our next blog as I think it deserves its own longer discussion)*
  • 54 puppies were observed by inspectors with their feet or legs dropped down through openings in wire mesh flooring.  Puppies that were less than one week old had to step foot on gaps in the floor that were 6 x 6 inches.*
  • 3 female dogs and 19 puppies (some only a few days old) were left outside to whelp
  • A trench outside the Yorkie building that was 3 feet wide, 30 feet long and 3 feet deep is filled with brown/green water (isn’t this some type of environmental concern)*
  • Dog doors were excessively soiled with brown colored dirt and grime*
  • Large areas of standing water with a strong odor and that was yellow/brown in color with green material growing in it was present at the following buildings:  Poodle Building, Pug Building, Cheese Boxes, White Boxes, Shih Tzu Row, Pekingese Row, Bichon Row, Papillion Row and behind the Basset High Rise.  (Of note, I try not to think of what the Basset High Rise looked like!)*

*Cleaning & Sanitation

  • At least 9 water receptacles had green colored water and algae growing in it*
  • At least 16 food receptacles were excessively rusted preventing required cleaning*
  • At least 3 food receptacles were excessively chewed and or soiled with dirt, grime and/or feces*
  • Excessive flies were present in the Silky Building around the White Boxes and Pekingese Row*

Employees

  • At the time of the report, there were 12 full-time employees (some elderly mind you – my notation, not the USDA) for 1000 dogs.  This was an improvement over the March 2010 report with only 10 employees for the 1000 dogs.*
  • Even with the 12 full-time employees nobody was present to allow access to inspect the kennels on both 06/15/2010 and 06/16/2010.*  Hmmm, I wonder what those 12 full-time employees were doing?

Woof  Z*

Posted in Dog Auctions, Dogs, News, Puppy Mills | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Responses

Schindler’s List – Part I (yes there is more)

By zoeystory | Published: October 24, 2010

It has come to my attention that there is a rather large dog auction (okay gigantic) occurring in Missouri next weekend. I checked into this auction only to find that they will be auctioning off approximately 690+ dogs (this estimate does not include the puppies as they are not allowed to be auctioned off prior to 8 weeks).

I pulled the USDA Health Inspection Report(s) and let me give you a few of the highlights of the Shindler’s latest inspection on 07/09/2010.

* Indicates – Repeat non-compliant item = This kennel was not compliant on March 8, 2010 and November 9, 2009.  This current inspection was 7/13/2010.  Um, enforcement…anyone?  I know they are low on inspectors but clearly they had enough evidence to shut this place down.

*The following animals are in need of veterinary care:

  • Shi Tzu female – Limping at the time of inspection.  Her right hind foot has hair loss with small holes and discharge present in the area.





Fly-Strike or Myasis 👿




  • Silky Terrier male – Hair loss and scabs on his back
  • Husky female – has black material on her tips that could be “fly strike”.  Don’t know what fly strike is?  Here is a quick lesson.  Flies love dead, rotting material and will lay their eggs in it.  The eggs develop into larvae/maggots that need to eat and will feast on rotting tissue.  If left untreated death may occur in 3-5 days.
  • Silky Terrier female– Her left eye is opaque and roughened on the surface.  The eye has a cloudy appearance, red vessels are extending out onto the surface
  • Golden Retriever Male – Both ears are painfully thickened with a strong odor and discharge.  A small puncture wound with blood is present on his left cheek.  He is very thing with little to no flesh covering his ribs, backbone and hips.

*Overgrown nails and Matted Fur:  The nails are overgrown and starting to curl over, in some cases the nails are SO OVERGROWN THEY CAUSE THE ANIMALS TOES TO TURN SIDEWAYS!




Overgrown toenails 🙁




There were 10 dogs (all Yorkies) matted hair on their backs, chest and/or legs.  Matted hair is painful to dogs and can lead to skin infections.




Matted Yorkie in the UK - owner fined and spent 12 weeks in jail 😡




*HOUSING

  • Accumulation of hair and old, dry feces
  • Dogs heads, legs and feet can pass through the gaps in cages
  • Dog doors are excessively soiled with brown colored dirt and grime.
  • Standing water that is yellow/brown in color and sometimes has green material growing in it that includes fecal matter and old wet food are present.  In some areas the liquid is deep enough that the facility representative’s boot was submerged to his ankle
  • Area on the ground outside of the “Pug Building” (yes they have buildings per breed) that is 18 feet by 6 feet has an accumulation of waste, water, hair, feces and other material that is brown to green in color.

To be continued as right now this is really all Zoey and I can muster to write.

Woof (with a heavy heart) Z~

Posted in Dog Auctions, News, Pet store, Puppy Mills, Selling puppies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An In-Depth Look at What’s Going On In Pennsylvania

By zoeystory | Published: October 23, 2010

This article does an excellent job of summarizing the work that animal rights organizations are doing in Pennsylvania, home to many of the U.S.’ puppy mills.

Meet Zoey's father, Corkie, who lived on wire at a puppy mill in MO

The focus is largely on Main Line Animal Rescue a group that is at the center of the effort to compel officials to better enforce the laws the state recently implemented to enact minimum standards of care at puppy mills, educate the public on what is going on and how to stop it, rescue as many dogs from the mills that aren’t complying, and rebut the claims many millers make about their loss of income.

As the story is told of one of the condition of a dog one of MLAR‘s employees rescues from a mill, it is hard for us not to think of what little Zoey must have been like when she was packed into a trailer for her fateful ride from Missouri to the boutique on the Upper East Side in NYC.  One of the millers’ main complaints about Pennsylvania’s new laws and regulations is the mandate that they remove all wire flooring and replace it with more humane material; the owners of the mills state that doing so (as well as complying with other new regs, such as improved ventilation systems) is so costly that they would rather just go out of business.  But as the article points out, dogs that are forced to walk on wire flooring end up with significant foot and potentially broader health issues as they age.

Pennsylvania has been at the vanguard in adopting and implementing new statewide regulations to rein in the worst practices of the puppy mill industry but as the article makes clear, these are not always enforced as they should be.  We should all support organizations like MLAR that advocate for enforcement and the dogs who can’t speak for themselves.  Bravo MLAR!



A Classic "Sun-Downer" at a Puppy Mill





Posted in Dogs, Pet store, Puppy Mills, Updates | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Response