Puppy Mills vs Ethical Breeders
In this episode, Isabel invites animal advocate and puppy mill denouncer, Jo Anna Kloster, to discuss her journey of learning about and speaking against puppy mills. While trying to keep a very serious topic light, Isabel and Jo Anna play a game about the realities of puppy mills. And, they discuss the best ways to find ethical or reputable breeders instead of supporting sneaky and cruel breeding businesses.
Isabel shares her frustration with the impulse buying of dogs from breeders, which sets families up for puppy mill purchases. She and Jo Anna provide several better options and insights to help families get the best puppy.
Listen to Episode #86 Now:
BIO:
Animals have always held a special place in Jo Anne Kloster's life. Since she was little, her family’s companion animals were her besties, comfort, and joy. In her world, animals were treated like family because they were. Then, in 2009, Jo Anne's worldview changed drastically after adopting a tiny white Maltese named Cagney. Friends referred them to the Northcentral Maltese Rescue in Racine, WI. Mary Palmer's amazing group rescued and fostered hundreds of puppy mill dogs into loving homes. So, what's a puppy mill? The pictures Jo Anne found told the saddest story. Dogs were locked in cages like chickens at factory farms. Mama dogs, filthy and matted, stared out with empty eyes from wire-floor cages. Research revealed these dogs suffer emotional trauma for years after being rescued. If they were that lucky.
Her dog, Cagney, a puppy mill survivor, was locked in a cage until he was seven months old. He had antisocial behavior which worsened over time. His separation anxiety also increased. Thankfully, he allowed Jo Anna's husband and her into his heart. Fast forward. Life with Cagney became Jo Anna's topic during writing workshop sessions. Her students had many questions about Cagney’s behaviors, puppy mills, and how to help dogs in these facilities. Would a full-blown story about a dog rescued from a puppy mill help a younger audience understand the problem of pet store puppies? Eventually, Lily Unleashed was written. And merged with the idea of Empty Cages Press. Now young people can know what Lily, the main character, comes to know about puppy mills. They will learn that they have the power to speak for the puppy mill dogs by never buying puppies sold at pet stores or online. And that telling others about pet store puppies will help, as well.