Sigh...Puppy mills* are still big business. This time of year pet stores advertise puppies as Christmas presents. Sadly most of those puppies came from puppy mills and many end up at shelters once people realize the breed isn't the right one for them. The lucky ones make it out of the shelter and into rescue. But usually come Feb-April rescues are overwhelmed with Christmas presents that are no longer wanted and dogs that did not preform well hunting.
Also many puppies that come from puppy mills are sick, do not have proper socialization, it isn't always known who their mom and dad are since their are so many litters on the ground at once, sometimes siblings are bred together, they are handled harshly, females are over bred and tossed aside when they are no longer "useful". And the conditions are not healthy conditions for dogs, much less a puppy.
Yes these puppies do need homes, but when you purchase a pet store puppy the puppy mill makes a large profit and it encourages them to breed more puppies and the cycle continues.
Puppies are cute and very lovable, and a lot of work. If you are looking for a puppy their are many in rescues and shelters. Rescues and sheltrs work on a very small budget with little to no profit whereas puppy mills profit greatly.
Also don't forget the dogs in shelters during the holiday season that need homes too. Old dogs make excellent companions as well.
Some of the dogs in rescues were puppy mill dogs, rescues get them healthy, socialized them and showed them love, trust, and the joys of human and dog companionship.
We encourage you to research the breed you'd like to adopt whether it be a Weim or not. Make sure the breed is right for your family and lifestyle.
