Letter from Sherry Hierholzer

A Dog’s Dilemma

The majority of dogs in our nation’s animal shelters come from “puppy mill” situations. Whether it is a large-scale operation with many dogs bred, or a local “back yard” situation mating a couple of dogs. Add to this the unneutered dogs allowed to roam freely. People buying/acquiring these dogs often do not keep them long. The person has no time, can’t afford the expenses, their lifestyle changes, or they can’t be bothered to train or spend time with the dog(s).

These unwanted dogs end up at the animal shelter, or worse, are left tied in the yard or left totally abandoned. The shelters become overcrowded, forcing some of them to euthanize the animals. Their budgets and staff are very limited.