Many of you have been hearing about different shelter activities in the news, both at Elmbrook Humane Society and the Wisconsin Humane Society. Since we have been taking many calls about it, I wanted to let you know what the situation is in regard to the WHS puppy mill dogs.
Yes, Wisconsin Humane Society was able to purchase the puppy mill business of Wallace Havens, the self-proclaimed "inventor" of the Puggle. They purchased not only his facility, but his breeding stock and remaining "inventory" as well. This of course is an excellent development for the almost 1,200 animals that called Puppy Havens home.
Wisconsin Humane has now set upon the daunting task of rehoming all of these animals. The young puppies will be the easiest to place, as they were the least traumatized by the experience. The adults, however, will be a much harder endeavor.
Supporters of Elmbrook Humane Society already know how hard it is to rehabilitate an animal that has had little human contact, no proper socialization, and years of neglect. The adult dogs rescued from this facility have a long road ahead of them. Fortunately, most dogs from puppy mills can lead relatively normal lives, if not fully recover. They will need to be in homes with no small children, with another dog already in residence to help them learn to trust people and help them learn how to be a family member instead of a breeding machine. They are also very difficult to housebreak and can have food aggression issues.
There are a few that never recover enough to be what we consider "normal" pets, but they still deserve a chance to try and live a life that most of our own animals enjoy. A life full of love, food, treats and a warm place to call home.
We will be taking animals from Wisconsin Humane Society as we can, and as they need assistance. WHS will be placing most of these animals directly through their own shelter. The puppies will be easily adopted. Some adults will also be easy to place. Some adults will go to breed rescues. Others will be in long term foster care. They are all safe now.
We heard that Wisconsin Humane Society had to open early for the many people lined up down Wisconsin Avenue who came in to adopt one of these puppies. Just remember these animals are not the only animals in Wisconsin in need of a home. There are shelters and rescue groups all across the state with wonderful animals who need a home to call their own as well.
Many of these animals reside right here at Elmbrook Humane Society.
