UPDATE,

Well am I ever glad I called that number today. I spoke with Sandy who is the "buyer" for Petland. She was great to talk to and told me that they are doing their best to stop these backyard breeders and puppy mills and only take dogs from good facilities. I asked her if they would work with Rescue organizations and she said they would be most happy to and some stores already do.

I realize some rescues wouldn't want their dogs at the store, which it would be nice if NONE were, and of course it would be preferable to be in a loving home, but if that can't be done this could be another alternative. She said if you talk to the owner/manager of each individual store something can be worked out as they would very much like to work with Rescue.

For anyone in the North, there is a new Petland store opening in Prince George the end of May and she said for anybody in Rescue to contact the store or call her back at 250-748-3678 and she will direct you to the store manager to work with animal organizations in and around that area.

She also said that if ever she received a complaint about one of their animals she would investigate it and if it because of sick animals she would never buy from that breeder again.

Again, it's not my ideal situation either, as I wish NO ANIMALS were sold in pet stores, just supplies, but even a little progress is better than nothing. But if somebody gets a full litter turned over after eight weeks this could be just another option. All animals are spayed and neutered before they leave, even the pups if they can be done. For those pups that are in an area where they can't be done they give $100 back with spay/neuter certificate. That's a plus!

Just my thoughts, if they're full with rescue pups then perhaps, just perhaps, some of the breeding will slow down.