We refuse to post the "dog of the week" this week...

... because, she's been adopted!

The best thing ever is to have our bio team work hard to get the dog of the week's page together, but never get to post it.  If we had our way, that's how it would go every time.

Please enjoy Smokey's original "dog of the week" bio, turned instant success story, below.  As you read, don't forget that all of NMDR's adoptable dogs can be found on the Available Dogs page of the website.  Also, if you know you will soon adopt a dog from National Mill Dog Rescue, but are not exactly sure which one... fill out an application anyway!  Wouldn't it be great to already be approved and have your home check done when you find that special dog?

GREAT NEWS!  I WAS ADOPTED TODAY!

I HAVE WAITED MY WHOLE LIFE FOR SUCH A GREAT DAY AND GREAT NEWS!  Before I go home, I would like to tell you my special story.  I am Smokey.  Like my good friend Smokey the Bear who shared the important message of the dangers of forest fires, I too have a very important message to share.  "Only You Can Prevent Puppy Mills!"  Please pledge to put an end to the cruelty of the commercial breeding industry.  Tell your family and friends about puppy mills and let them know that buying puppies at a pet store is wrong.

With heartfelt sorrow, I know how important it is to stop puppy mills, because I am a puppy mill survivor.  I spent nine years of my life cruelly caged at a puppy mill.  NMDR rescued me and brought me to their kennel, Lily’s Haven, for much needed care, healing and love.  I am now very happy and healthy.

Maybe one thing I don’t have in common with my good friend Smokey the Bear is that I am a girl!  I am a beautiful 9YOF Pekingese.  I am very friendly, social and get along great with everyone at the kennel.  In the morning, I politely encourage the volunteers to hurry-up with my breakfast with a friendly bark.  I just love breakfast time, the beauty of a new day, attention, a good ear scratching, kisses and the volunteers – not necessarily in that order.  I love to run and play at the NMDR doggie park, and visit with all my human and doggie friends.  I have lots of friends.

Even though I may have a boy name, NMDR tells me I am one gorgeous little girl.  I am gentle, have the most cheerful personality, and I WAS ADOPTED TODAY.  Thank you for reading my special story.  I am going home now to run, play, and make my family laugh and remind them it is a beautiful day!  I am not available for adoption anymore but I have more great news!  All my canine friends at the kennel still need a home.  So what are you waiting for?  Hurry!  Tell all my friends I said, “hello” and “I am home!”  Oohh -- And remember to tell everyone that you know that purchasing dogs from pet stores is bad!

Love, Smokey

Great news about our latest rescue and "Kiki's Gift"

The good news:

The good news is that National Mill Dog Rescue saved 144 puppy mill survivors last week.  68 of those furry souls are currently in NMDR's care and residing at the kennel.

Photos of some of the new kennel residents can be found in our recent facebook album:  "New residents at the kennel." 

Maxwell, the little Scottie who was too sick to move when rescued.
He's growing stronger every day.  It's amazing what proper care, food,
water, rest and a whole lotta love will do. 

More good news:

None of the rescued pups are veterinary train wrecks.  This is rare.  All of the dogs need general vet care (which they've never had), extensive dental work, and spaying or neutering.  A few will need to have tumors removed and minor surgeries, but nothing too major.  Most of the time, one of the rescued dogs is in need of serious physical repair.  Luckily, this last group of dogs are in better physical shape than most that come in.  This is great news.

Violet and Rose - sweet Bichon's from this last rescue.
Little Violet is completely missing her right ear.

Even more good news:

Funds raised from Kiki's Gift were strong.  We promised you that your donations from that fund would go directly, 100%, to the care of a dog (or dogs) from this rescue so that Kiki could give a gift of her life to pass on to other survivors.  The funds from Kiki's Gift will not only cover the complete initial veterinary care for one dog, but for 10 dogs!

THANK YOU

Kiki's life will go on to help with the dental work, spaying/neutering, and shots for 10 newly rescued puppy mill survivors, so they can be ready to find their forever families fast!

Tiny Tim, a Poodle from this rescue, shows the condition of his teeth.
He is only 6 years old.  Almost all puppy mill survivors have severe dental issues
from years of neglect.  NMDR cleans, removes (as necessary) and preps their teeth
for a life of comfort, rather than pain.

A heartfelt, huge, "thank you" goes out to those of you who generously donated to Kiki's Gift.  You did it.  Rescuing is only half the battle.  Nursing these little guys back to health and giving them the care that they need is an equally critical part of our mission.

McKenzie - 9 year-old Toy Fox Terrier
saved from the auction.

For the new followers or kind folks who missed Kiki's Gift and what it was about, please take a moment to read her story here.  NMDR now has 68 new dogs at the kennel who's precious lives would have been terminated if it weren't for this weekend's rescue.  Although covering veterinary care for 10 of them is greater than any gift NMDR could have asked for, if you haven't donated yet to this rescue, please try to give just a few dollars today.  You've seen the results of NMDR's effort.  Your money will go straight to the dogs and will be incredibly appreciated.  It's not like we're asking for money to buy fancy cars or novelty crap, we're putting every single dollar into giving these dogs a healthy, happy life that wouldn't be possible without your help.

Rescues aren't easy.  It also took some strong volunteer effort to post pictures and allow for an inside look at this rescue.  If you felt like you were part of the teams or enjoyed following along with our posts, photos and updates from the road, please help us care for these dogs quickly, so we can get back out there to save more.
 

Don't be just another outsider looking in.  Not today.

Do something.

Be a part of National Mill Dog Rescue and please donate to the care of these dogs that you've been following.

- The dogs of National Mill Dog Rescue thank you.  From the bottom of their little paws.

An inside look at Rescue Team 3's weekend and an update on Teams 1 & 2

This is a treat.  Rarely do we get to offer such an inside look, with so many great photos, into one of our rescues.  Alison Cobbs, a volunteer with NMDR Rescue Team 3 (with Theresa and Pam), worked hard not only with the dogs, but also to take photos to document the journey.  Please click here, or on the photo below, to view our new album full of so many rescued faces and happy tails.

Meanwhile, still out on the road and fighting the good fight....

NMDR Rescue Teams 1 & 2 had a successful offloading of 76 puppy mill survivors to North Shore Animal League last night.  If you weren't able to catch the incredible photos of this moment, please tune into National Mill Dog Rescue's recent facebook album:  "Puppy Mill Survivor offloading by Rescue Teams 1 & 2."

After delivering their precious cargo, Teams 1 & 2 turned their empty vans south, to head back to Missouri.  They will pick up approximately 40 more puppy mill survivors and bring them back with them to NMDR's facility in Colorado.  The first pick-up will be in St. Louis at the Humane Society of Missouri on Thursday morning.  There was a large-scale Missouri puppy mill bust a few weeks ago, during which hundreds of dogs were rescued.  The HSUS in St. Louis is still overflowing with puppy mill survivors.  National Mill Dog Rescue can help.  We have empty trucks rolling their way and a blinding passion to help puppy mill survivors find forever homes and enjoy a life they never knew.

Hang in there kiddos.  Our rescue teams are on their way.

76 rescued dogs headed east, 21 heading home to CO right now

This evening, National Mill Dog Rescue is incredibly proud to announce that the vans of all 3 rescue teams are totally full.  In total, 97 furry souls are being transported by our tireless rescue teams.

The photo to the left is of all three vehicles.  Team 1 (Darrell & Tom) and Team 2 (Chuck & Shirley) are currently en-route to New York with 76 rescued pups crated in the two big vans.

The grey suburban contains Rescue Team 3 (Theresa, Pam, Alison) and 21 rescued dogs who are currently on the road somewhere in Kansas, on their way back to Colorado, as this post is typed.

Rescue Teams 1 & 2 started their day by picking up over 80 retired breeding dogs from puppy mills throughout Missouri.  All dogs, including the 16 rescued by Team 3 yesterday from the auction and breeders, were brought to Cross Creek Veterinary Hospital in MO this afternoon for immediate veterinary care and assessment before continuing their respective journey's.

This little grey Poodle is too old and too sick to travel very far.  She is making her way back to Colorado with Theresa's team tonight, instead of making the trek to NY with the stronger dogs.

Theresa and Pam giving fluids via IV to a senior grey Poodle in desperate need of care.

After all dogs were kindly vetted in Cross Creek, Teams 1 & 2 loaded up 76 dogs and started their journey to North Shore Animal League in New York around 2pm this afternoon.  They will layover in Columbus, OH tonight.  A huge thank you goes out to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (http://vet.osu.edu/) for giving NMDR's rescue teams and dogs a warm place to stop, rest and keep the dogs safe for the night.

Securing the dogs in the big Ryder van before buttoning up to head to NY.

Team 3 will be arriving at the kennel at around 3am.  NMDR's intake coordinator has her team in place and ready to get the 21 dogs on board checked in and settled for what's left of the short night.

Another dog that will be coming back to Colorado with Team 3 tonight is a little Scottish Terrier boy who is not healthy enough to make the long journey to NY.

Theresa's words that were sent in with the photo this afternoon...

"We're at Cross Creek Vet - this little Scottie is not well enough to make the long trip to NY.  We're giving him fluids and he'll be coming home with us to CO tonight.  A broken spirit defines the look in his eyes.  He will be loved and cared for from this day forward."

Theresa giving fluids to a newly rescued sick Scottie while Pam provides a reassuring hand.

After Teams 1 & 2 departed to head east, Team 3 rolled west with 14 of the weaker, older dogs rescued from the group.  Before hitting I-70, they stopped in Cole Camp, MO to meet with a breeder who was surrendering 7 breeding dogs, no longer of use to them, over to NMDR's care.  Because most breeders won't allow anyone, let alone a rescue group, on their property, they met with us in a parking lot.  These lucky 7 retired breeding dogs are now on board with Team 3 on their way to Colorado.  Rescue Team 3's total on board equal 3 incredible women and 21 lucky canines.

Poppy and GoGo Girl, riding comfortably to CO in Pam's lap.

One of the dogs surrendered by her breeder in the Cole Camp parking lot, has been named "GoGo Girl."  Although you can't tell it from the photo of her above, she has this wild amount of grey fur on her legs that give the appearance of 1970's flaring bell bottoms.  "GoGo Girl" seemed like a wonderfully fitting name for this sweet little Poodle.

Another precious passenger on board with Team 3 is a poodle puppy who was discarded by her breeder due to a missing back foot.  Alison is keeping the rescued pup comfy during the journey with lots of love and hugs.

Please keep all three of NMDR's rescue teams in your thoughts as they carry their precious cargo through the long night.

- National Mill Dog Rescue

Rescue Update: News from the 3 rescue teams in Missouri....

Rescue Teams 1 and 2 have arrived!  Darrell (obviously hungry), Tom, Shirley and Chuck have arrived in Morrisville, MO and met up with Team 3.  They are staying at what Theresa refers to as "Judy's place."  Gracious hosts, Judy and Jim have a small rescue operation and help National Mill Dog Rescue out whenever we're in Missouri.  Here's a photo of Teams 1 & 2 on their arrival....

Here's a photo just taken of loyal NMDR rescue driver, Darrell and the 3 teams (and dogs) host for the evening, Jim.

NMDR's partnering rescue friends have a great, large, warm, dry, shed area for Theresa and team 3 to care for the newly rescued dogs.  They currently have about 20 furry souls in house, gathered from yesterday's pickup and today's attendance at the dog auction.

The above heartwarming photo is of Pam, giving and getting much needed love from a rescued pup picked up yesterday by Team 3 on their way through Missouri.

Below is a photo of Alison holding a beautiful Boxer pup.  This special guy will head east, to NY, with Teams 1 and 2 as the pick up approximately 80 more dogs tomorrow and bring them east to North Shore Animal League in Long Island.

Alison witnessed her first dog auction today.  Her words, "OMG what and eye opener."


Rescue Team 3 attended a dog auction in Missouri this morning. They planned on getting 5 dogs at the auction and, of course, ended up with more than that.  They saved 11 furry souls. Several Bichons, a Daschund, Shih Tzus, a Cavalier, a Havanese, and a Toy Fox Terrier puppy were among the rescued.  All the dogs purchased at the auction will make their way back to Colorado with Theresa and rescue team 3 tomorrow. Team 3 will pick up 5 to 10 more dogs on their return tomorrow and anticipate an intake at the kennel of 16 dogs.  Those of you who know Theresa, are well aware that there's no way the number stays at only 16.

Photo of Pam and Shirley, caring for and feeding a few of the dogs rescued by Team 3:

As mentioned previously, purchasing dogs at the dog auctions is never a money issue, it's always a space issue.  All 11 dogs purchased by NMDR at the auction cost less than a dollar... combined.  Honestly, 90% of the dogs NMDR saves at auctions cost a whopping penny.  To breeders, old dogs, aka "retired breeders" are used up and worthless.  To us, they're important, forgiving, soon-to-be precious family members with a lot of years of love still to give... and receive.

Lot "number 5" arrived at the Missouri dog auction early in the morning.  As with any auction, there's an excess of a particular type of dog.  This time it was Toy Fox Terriers.  This little fella, a 5 month old Toy Fox Terrier, and part of Lot Number 5, was sold for less than a quarter to NMDR.  Theresa, Pam and Alison snatched him up as quick as possible to save him from a life confined to being a breeding dog in a tiny wire cage.

Lot Number 5's tag has been removed and he is no longer a number.  He has been lovingly named "Wally" by his rescuers.

Tomorrow's a really big day.  Teams 1 and 2 will carefully load up their vans with over 80 retired breeding dogs from Missouri surrendered by their breeders. They will have the dogs vetted at Cross Creek Animal Hospital in the afternoon and then start rolling east as soon as possible.  Rescue Team 3 will turn toward home with dogs saved from the auction and pick up a few more souls along the way.

Stay tuned to our blog and Facebook for updates and photos.  As promised, we'll get them out to you asap, every time our incredible rescue teams check in.

- Goodnight from all of us at National Mill Dog Rescue

Outrageous! Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act overturned in the state of Missouri

National Mill Dog Rescue's Grooming Coordinator, Pam King, sent out this email this morning....

______________________________________________________
Hello my friends,

This is such a travesty of justice.  Please spread the word to all of your Missouri friends and implore them to call Governor Nixon to veto the rescinding of Proposition B.  Please do it for mill dogs all across the United States who live in horrid jails for their entire lives with no escape.

The horrible picture of Rihanna was taken upon arrival at National Mill Dog Rescue..... I took the after picture myself, she now has a forever home and is learning to enjoy being alive.   This is an example of what we see at our rescue weekly arriving from Missouri puppy mills, and Oklahoma and Kansas and Arkansas and Pennsylvania.

Below is a link which will explain all.  Apparently, the majority does not rule in America anymore.  Please forward to your friends, especially if they live in Missouri.

http://www.aspca.org/News/National/National-News-Detail.aspx?NDate=20110415&NType=National#News1

Thank you so much for your compassion,
Pam
________________________________________________________

If you have some time today, the link above (to the ASPCA article on Proposition B) is short, worth the time, well written, and highly informative.  The quote that will resonate with you, as it did for us, is.... 

"If the PMCPA is gutted in Missouri, your state’s puppy mill law might be next."

Precedent is a scary thing.

Lastly, as the ASPCA article says, please do not contact the Governor of MO regarding Prop B if you do not live in that state.  However, if you are a MO resident, here's Governor Jay Nixon's contact info:  

http://governor.mo.gov/contact/

Please share this blog post through your Twitter and Facebook contacts.  Even if you don't live in Missouri, spreading the word may get to someone who does.

Reverting back to becoming a nation in which the public voice is ignored scares the hell out of us... and the dogs.

- National Mill Dog Rescue

Snapshot of a puppy mill rescue

The reality of any dog rescue is that it will never go as planned.  This upcoming rescue is no exception.  Schedules change as calls come in, pleas for help are heard and volunteers step up to the plate.  Next weekend's rescue grew from 1 team to 3 and, we just heard today, Rescue Team 3 will be leaving a day earlier than planned to attend a dog auction in Missouri.

What is a dog rescue?
NMDR usually transports and returns with dogs that are rescued from 3 different situations:  closure of a puppy mill, breeder surrender or dog auction.

Puppy Mill Closure:
Rescuing dogs from the closure of a puppy mill is usually a large scale, multi-team, collaborative effort between several rescue organizations across the nation.  You can always find NMDR in that mix somewhere.

A puppy mill is usually shut down or put out of business by a state's dept. of agriculture for legal reasons that often involve dogs being kept in deplorable conditions.  NMDR will get notice of such a pending closure and work with other organizations on rescue, transport, care and shelter for hundreds of dogs.

Breeder Surrender:

This is the most common scenario in which NMDR rescues dogs (as will be the case this trip).  A breeder can be either a puppy mill owner or something to the same effect on a smaller scale.  These owners can even be "backyard breeders," in which hundreds of dogs are bred for the purpose of profit, but not necessarily in a "mill." NMDR's rescue teams have recovered dogs living in holes in the ground, wooden barrels and even a broken microwave.  Breeders will surrender their retired breeding dogs when they're "used up" and are no longer of use or profit to them.

NMDR's rescue contacts have worked with these breeders over time to help them understand that there are “retirement homes” available for these dogs.  Our contacts do not present themselves as “rescuers.”  It’s a very subtle and non-threatening relationship that is developed.  NMDR attempts to present itself as a cleaner, easier option than breeders going through the effort of destroying what breeders consider as their useless stock.

Dog Auction:

Hold on to your hat.  Yep, these awful events really exist.  A dog auction is an event very similar to a cattle or horse auction.  A dog is put on display for bids and is sold to the highest bidder.  A lot of these dogs are puppy mill cast-offs. They are either too old to be productive breeding stock, or they are not successful at producing puppies.  Also, a puppy miller may have too many dogs of a specific breed so they will sell off some and purchase others to diversify their stock.

Below, is a short video clip featuring Theresa's comments about dog auctions:

(Thank you to Jenesis Productions for providing this incredible video)

A very small percentage of the dogs NMDR rescues come from the auctions. Most get picked up by NMDR's rescue teams upon being directly released from puppy mills.  Of the 150 furry souls that will be rescued this weekend, 90% will come straight out of the mill, directly into our arms.  Space is a bigger issue than funding when it comes to NMDR's purchasing dogs at the auctions.  Most of the worn out, retired breeding dogs will sell at an auction for less than a dollar.  NMDR could rescue hundreds of dogs at a time at any given auction, but transport and kennel space is a never ending issue.

A Happy Story...
If you watched the video above, you'll notice that it ends with the mention of a sweet Miniature Pinscher named "Copper."  Copper was purchased by NMDR for one penny (hence the name) at the closing minutes of a dog auction in Missouri over a year ago.  As a happy follow-up to his story, below is a photo of 8 year-old Copper with his loving family.

An excerpt of Copper's words from his story a year ago...
"I will close this chapter of my story by sending a heartfelt thank you to National Mill Dog Rescue for coming to get me.  My fate without you would have been the end of my days.  For one penny, you proved that I am not a “throw away” dog and I promise to never forget that.  I wanted to write my story for all the other “one cent” dogs out there.  I want my second chance to become theirs too."

Please keep NMDR's rescue teams 1, 2, and 3 in your thoughts and hearts as they set out to save lives this weekend.  Auctions are truly horrible.  Puppy mills are beyond awful.  The living conditions and the furry souls that survive them are images that our rescue volunteers are brave enough to face.


Thank you in advance to our rescue teams for enduring the long week ahead and for stomaching what a majority of us would find unbearable.


- National Mill Dog Rescue


Please consider donating to help us fund this rescue.  My goodness gas is getting expensive!  Any little bit helps.  Thanks so much.

3 rescue teams to roll out next weekend

Ever wonder how NMDR has saved over 4,500 dogs in just 4 years?

Well, every few weeks, a rescue is orchestrated.  "Orchestrated" being the operative word.  Beginning in the early hours this Saturday morning and through the following week, three separate rescue teams from NMDR will be saving approximately 150 dogs.  Yep, to no surprise to anyone who knows NMDR, next weekend's rescue (4/16) has grown in scale.  There will now be 3 trucks with 3 rescue teams rolling out next Saturday. Seven volunteers (Theresa, Alison, Pam, Darrell, Tom, Chuck & Shirley) will cover thousands of miles to save the lives of retired breeding dogs in Missouri and Kansas.

Photo of Darrell carefully crating pups on a previous NMDR rescue

Team 1 (Darrell and Tom) will roll out simultaneously with Team 2 (Chuck and Shirley) and Team 3 (Theresa, Alison and Pam) this Saturday.  All trucks will head to Missouri.  Using Theresa's rescue contacts in the area, 80 to 100 retired breeding dogs will be turned over to NMDR's rescue teams.  All of these dogs will be carried by Team 1 and 2 with the final destination being to North Shore Animal League in NY.  North Shore Animal League has partnered with National Mill Dog Rescue on countless rescue missions and we aid each other in rescuing, transporting and adopting out puppy mill survivors throughout the country.

Before Rescue Teams 1 and 2 can make the trek east, all of the newly rescued pups will receive immediate veterinary care at Cross Creek Animal Hospital in Waynesville, MO.  The wonderful people at Cross Creek Animal Hospital will give the dogs necessary shots and a thorough once-over before the little guys hit the road to NY.

At that time, Theresa and Rescue Team 3 will return home to the kennel in CO.  They will load up with the puppy mill survivors that are not strong enough to make the trip east. Team 3 will fit as many of the older, weaker, special needs dogs as they can in their truck and get them back to NMDR's facility to be vetted, cared for, loved and find their forever homes as soon as possible.  Team 3 will leave CO on Saturday (4/16) and return late on Sunday (4/17) with 10 to 20 furry souls who wouldn't have had a second chance at life without them.


After Teams 1 and 2 deliver their precious cargo to North Shore Animal League on Monday (4/17), they will turn their empty trucks to head home to CO.  On their return trip, they will stop to pick up 10 to 20 dogs each that need to be rescued from breeders that surrendered their "retired stock" in Kansas.  Once on board, Teams 1 and 2 will bring the puppy mill survivors back to NMDR's facility asap for necessary vetting, care and adoption.

Whew!  That's how it all gets done.  This is what happens every few weeks in the world of National Mill Dog Rescue.  It takes a team effort 100% of the time.

We'll keep you posted on our blog with any changes this week to the rescue team's plans and promise regular updates and photos from our rescue teams while they're on the road.  Also, stay tuned for our next blog post, "Snapshot of a Rescue," in which well try to go more in depth as to how NMDR rescues dogs and understand what the difference is between a puppy mill closure, breeder surrender and a dog auction.

Click here to learn how you can help NMDR's rescue teams.

Dog of the Week: Niles

Oh Yeah!  WHO’S YOUR DOGGIE?  That’s right – me, Niles!  Where have you been my whole life?  Allow me to introduce my polite, mighty fine-looking self.  I am Niles.  My name means champion, passionate, saint and river.  I think I am all those really wonderful descriptors.  I hope to soon add “ADOPTED” and “YOUR DOG” to the list of words that best describe who I am.

I wasn’t always Niles, an (incredibly handsome and sweet) 8YOM Chihuahua.  Before I was Niles, I was considered nothing, zero, nil, zilch.  And worse – I was a nameless, nobody’s dog.  I merely existed, caged and uncared for in a puppy mill.  Then NMDR came for me (hooray), gave me a name (Niles), lots of love (kisses and kibble), and a perfect place to stay (Lily’s Haven, NMDR).

Thank you NMDR for showing me that I am important, and telling the world I matter.  Because NMDR has given me a glimpse of the good life and love, I want to find my forever family and home.  And not just be somebody’s dog but YOUR dog.  Please adopt me.  I promise to work real hard and be your champion-passionate-saint.  Much like a river, my love and loyalty is endless.  Please tell me there is room in your heart and home for me.

NMDR knows how much I wish to belong to YOU that I am all healthy and ready for adoption.  I am neutered, UTD on shots, had my dental and am micro-chipped.  NMDR believes I am very smart, an easy-keeper, a little timid, but “oh-so charming.”  I have trained myself to sit with front paws up to look especially adorable.  Works every time--I get a cookie and a kiss.  Oh Yeah!  I’M YOUR DOGGIE!  That’s right -- “ADOPTED” and “YOUR DOG”!  

Love, Niles  (F11-25).

Run like the wind

Yep, that's exactly what our boy, Apache, can do... run like the wind.

Apache is a 25 lb, neutered, one year old male Whippet.  He truly is a beautiful dog.  However, the family who adopts him will need to have a special understanding of the breed, as is the case with most sighthounds.

Apache gets along well with larger breed dogs and truly loves people.  The minute you approach him, he will give you the huge moon-eyes, tip toe gently to you and snuggle like your touch is all he needs to live and thrive.  Once you bond with this incredibly loving dog, it is a bond that will hold your heart forever.

The reason Apache has his own blog post today is because he needs your help to find a family suited for him. He's young and has so many wonderful years of life yet to run.  We'd love nothing more than to give that to him.  Apache will need exercise every day.  He's built for speed and needs to have an outlet for his energy.  If you're a runner, he's your man.

Apache is a typical sight hound, which means he has a strong prey drive.  Small dogs and cats are strongly advised to be no where in the vicinity of this speedy fella.  He can't help it.  Instinct is instinct and it's what's in  his blood.

Lastly, Apache can jump.  High.  We've watched him clear the top of his 6-foot pen, countless times.  It's not that Apache is trying to run away, he just wants to fly.  When excitement comes near his pen (inside the kennel), he can't help himself... he wants to be part of the action!  So, a special fenced area will be needed for Apache.  There are many solutions to the fence-jumping issue, Apache simply needs a family who loves him enough to help him figure it out.

If you know any Whippet lovers or someone who might be able to help Apache get out of the kennel, please let us know.  Our greatest wish is to allow every breed the freedom to be the dog that they are.

Apache's number is MR11-09.  Please look for him on the "Available Dogs" page of the website, or fill out a Foster or Adoption application.

Thank you for thinking of adoption options for Apache.  He'd love some room to roam!

- National Mill Dog Rescue

Over 150 puppy mill survivors scheduled to be rescued next week

NMDR's rescue team will be leaving on Friday or Saturday of next week.  They will be picking up 80 to 100 dogs surrendered from different puppy mills throughout Missouri.  The rescued group of dogs from Missouri will be transported by Darrell and NMDR's rescue team all the way to North Shore Animal League in NY.  North Shore Animal League has partnered with National Mill Dog Rescue on countless rescue missions and we aid each other in rescuing, transporting and adopting out puppy mill survivors throughout the country.

NMDR's arrival in New York is scheduled for Monday, 4/18.

On the road - pic of Darrell and rescued Bulldog during last year's multi-team effort

After the precious cargo is deposited with North Shore Animal League, our rescue team will make the long return journey home to Colorado.  Any dogs that were missed or couldn't fit on the previous transport to NY, will be picked up in Missouri.  Following that, several stops will be made through Kansas to pick up retired breeding dogs that will be surrendered to NMDR.  We currently estimate an intake of approximately 50 dogs at NMDR's facility on the 21st or 22nd.  Of course, the big hearted rescuers can never say "no," so it's best to always add an additional 10 to 20 furry rescued souls to the final tally that arrives at the kennel.

Receiving much needed love and care at intake.

Please tune in to our blog, facebook and twitter accounts to stay updated on plans, progress and changes with our upcoming rescue.

Lastly, don't forget to skip your Starbucks today and, instead, try to donate just a few dollars to help with Kiki's Gift.  As our rescue team hits the road, you can rest easy knowing that when the dogs arrive at NMDR's kennel, a powerhouse of any veterinary care will be awaiting their every need.  These dogs have never had a single day of vet care in their life.  Until now.

Thanks to you.

A tour of Lily's Haven

A huge thank you to everyone who keeps up with NMDR and follows us on the social media channels.  As we gratefully gather facebook fans, twitter followers and subscribers to this blog, we realize that many of you are hundreds of miles away and have never seen our facility.  The kennel (aka Lily's Haven) is an 11,000 SF facility located in Peyton, CO.  We are very proud of the condition of the kennel, the work we do here and would be honored if you would take a moment to enjoy a photo tour.

As you view these photos, please take pride in knowing that every donation, every hour, every time you mention NMDR, you help make Lily's Haven a sanctuary for mill dogs.

Click here for a photo tour of Lily's Haven.

Dog of the Week: Oprah

OPRAH

I was adopted today!

Shine on me sunshine walk with me world it's a skip-a-dee-doo-dah day!
I'm the happiest girl in the whole USA!

Just one day ago, I was going to tell you how much I please, please, needed a home.  Now I am so lucky to share with you I was adopted today!  My name is Oprah.  My special name is Hebrew for “gentle, deer.”  From the moment I was rescued, NMDR has told me I am a gentle little ‘dear’.  Right in the middle of my ‘run of the mill’ terrible day, NMDR came to my rescue, and gave me the chance for love and a forever family. 

I was so very sad, mistreated and neglected at the puppy mill.  At the puppy mill, I never knew kindness or love.  Every day I hungered for food and a friend.  I had several painful patches of hair missing.  NMDR is certain the puppy mill person cruelly ripped matted fur from my body.  Along with my rescue, the nice people of NMDR have enriched my life and dreams of finding my new family. 

I am a beautiful 5YOF Poodle, and I am rather small at only 7 lbs.  I have been so happy since rescued from a terrible puppy mill.  When I first arrived at the NMDR kennel, I was very shy.  Everyone was very nice to me, giving me lots of attention to help me not be so afraid.  My hair has grown back in, and all the nice groomers made sure I was beautifully brushed.  I soon discovered that being held and snacks are the best.  So all I really needed was a home and the love of my very own family.  My dream came true, and I was adopted today!

Thank you NMDR for coming for me, and letting life turn out the way that I always thought it could be!  There once was a time when I could not imagine how it would feel to say I'm the happiest girl in the whole USA!  Shine on me sunshine walk with me world it's a skip-a-dee-doo-dah day!  I'm the happiest girl in the whole USA!  My name is Oprah, and I am my family’s forever little dear!  

Love, Oprah  (JA11-56) 

Feeling bad that I've been taking up space.... for so long.

Hi there.  My name is Rinaldo and I'm a sweet Chihuahua who was rescued in December.  I've been residing at NMDR's kennel since my rescue, and although I remain continually hopeful, I'm beginning to feel guilty for being here so long.  Over the past 4 months, I've watched a lot of adoptions happen around me.  I've also watched quite a few intakes occur and, especially with a new group of 50 coming in tonight, I sure would love to give my pen to some of the needy new guys.  So here goes my attempt at shameless self promotion in an effort to find my forever home.

Below is short video of me calmly surveying the scene while I hang out in my favorite spot.... my bed.   

My tongue sticks out because I've had a lot of dental work done and don't have tons of teeth left.  That's ok though, I think it adds to my dashing good looks.

I'm 10 years old, neutered, have had my dental work done, and am rapidly recovering from recent surgery on my patella.  In the video below, you can see that I get around just fine.  I'm a mobile guy, but at my age, I've learned to find value in a good quality nap.

Before December, I never had name.  For 10 long years, I was only a number.  Having spent my entire life in a puppy mill, I honestly would love nothing more than to spend my golden years in a comfy home as a member of a loving family.  I think I deserve it.  I'm not high maintenance and really don't ask for much.  After 10 years in a tiny wire cage with no canine or social human interaction what-so-ever, it truly is amazing that I'm as well-adjusted as I actually am.  I love people and wag all the time.  Below is a video of me in the play area socializing with other pups at the kennel.  I really just want to hang around Kim, because she's giving me back scratches.

I understand that a lot of big hearted dog lovers who read this blog will already have multiple dogs in their home.  However, all I ask is that you spread the word about my need for a family.  The right person is out there for me somewhere.  I just have to find them.  I've been at the kennel for too long and am now well-adjusted enough to make a wonderful addition to someone's home.  

The 50 rescued pups who are rolling into the kennel tonight need some space and time to settle down before they're ready to go.  I would love to donate my pen for them.  But I need your help.  Please send a link to this post to anyone who may be willing to give a 10 year puppy mill survivor a chance.

National Mill Dog Rescue's foster/adoption info and form can be found here.  Please have anyone who's interested in me mention my name... Rinaldo.

Thank you in advance for trying to help me find a home and for and keeping all the dogs rescued by NMDR in your thoughts.  Safe travels to the newly rescued souls who are making their way to the haven of the kennel right now.

- Rinaldo