Too much. Not just the cost of the pup itself - bought via kijji or some other social network or through a pet store... but too much in terms of the suffering experienced by that pup's parents. It astonishes me that people continue to contribute to puppy mills by buying puppies from stores or sight unseen over the internet. Do they ever think about where that pup came from?
Meet Camilla, one of three dogs I brought to the THS from Quebec yesterday. Little Camilla was rescued by non-profit dog rescue organization Animatch. Founded in 1999 by Helen Lacroix, the centre provides an invaluable service in a province which is infamous for its puppy mills. Camilla was one of 100 dogs rescued from a mill in Lachute. Frightened, unsocialized, in poor health and with no understanding of what it meant to be loved, Animatch has done an absolutely superb job of teaching this little girl that there are good humans in the world.
Camilla is still uncertain, still frightened but with a little encouragement she quickly opens up and her sweet, loving personality begins to shine. Camilla epitomizes the very best qualities of what it means to be a dog; despite being kept in horrendous conditions, caged for most of her 8 years, forced to have litter after litter then suffer the heartbreak of having them taken away long before they were ready, Camilla is willing to trust again. Camilla is willing to love. Camillia, despite what has been done to her, is eager to embrace and adore. With a little gentle encouragement, she soon crawled onto my lap, and my heart twisted as she nestled up against me, laying her little head against my chest, somehow willing to trust. Truly, we humans could learn a lot from our four legged companions.
Animatch also sent little Jappy, pictured here (all photos were borrowed from Animatch site - not sure who does their photos but they are awesome! Captures the dogs' personalities perfectly). Found as a stray and incarcerated in a high kill pound, somehow no one ever came for this adorable bundle of energy and affection. 
Animatch says this guy with the huge personality is terrific with other dogs and despite his size, would make a fantastic jogging partner. This guy loves to run and as I trotted around the park with him I had to laugh. What is it about Poms? That luxurient, bouffant hair combined with the foxy face and little legs always remind me of dandelion fluff ... and like dandilions they seem to be weightless, floating and leaping and twisting in errant breezes! Jappy seems to view life as one big adventure and his energy, enthusiasion and adorable nature will - I predict - make his stay in the THS a short one!
The third dog I brought is an adorable girl with an exuberant, loving personality. Labelled a "labx" she is a medium/small girl with the most endearing "squished" face - it is as if someone took a lab face then sorta pushed it so she ended with a short snout and the sweetest wrinkly forehead! It occurred to me when I picked her up that every single animal rescue or shelter refers to any dog with semi-floppy ears, a short, solid coloured coat and a solid build as a "labx"- just like any dog with a black and tan coat is somehow a shepherd mix LOL
Joseuay was rescued by Canin du Suroit, a wonderful training and boarding facility in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Canin du Suroit has a huge heart and despite being a business, always makes room for a certain number of abandoned or discarded dogs.
It is easy to become discouraged and pessimstic about how society treats helpless creatures. From puppy mills to cruelty to abandonment and abuse, it can feel like an uphill battles, even a pointless one at times. It is important to remind ourselves that for every neglectful owner, every heartless backyard breeder, for every nasty person that dumps a dog or mistreats it, there are even MORE people who care - and act on that caring.
Thank you to Anitmatch and Canin du Suroit and welcome to Toronto and your soon to be forever homes Camilla, Jappy and Joseuay.
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