I'm a HUGE novice on these topics too, Nancy. This site sure has helped me gain so much knowledge. I would have been looking for Mama M, Connie, Kathi, Marci or any of the other "vocal" IP subject matter experts for help.

Momma Muttblood or Connie would have been your best bet. I'm rather a novice myself. I just have a very bad "habit" of getting ticked off and doing some (okay, a lot) of research.

Regarding the puppy mills, I have NO idea whey they are still legal. My only suggestion is that money and/or politics is more important than animals. I'm afraid I could only have offered my moral outrage to the discussion. I can not understand how the human species can be so curel, or turn a blind eye to such abominal conditions. Since humans also turn a blind eye to the horrible conditions of some of their own species, I'm not sure why we should really expect them to do more for another species.

As to HSI, most people come around really fast when you tell them the following. The budget defecite is aproximately the same as 1 or 2 executive salaries, they no longer take strays, and they no longer readily take owner drop-offs. I follow that up with "you don't have to take my word for it". Go look it up on the HSI website.

Here is a link with answers about puppy mills. http://stoppuppymills.org/frequently_asked_questions.html

The money is a big part of it for the people running the mills. They don't care about the dogs, only the $$ signs. there are way too many loopholes in the law so they are able to avoid prosecution that way. I know one law states that if you have over 3 brood bitches, you need certain licenses. I have visited several web sites for irresponsible BYB or millers that only list 3 bitches under their adult dog profile. Then under the puppy list, they have 5-6 females(none listed in the adult section)with litters. But unless someone polices them they continue to get away with it. Maybe I could get a job doing that. I love research and animals so sounds like a good fit. As far as HSI, people think they help homeless animals get homes. Who wouldn't love a group like that? So few people are aware of how little they actually do to keep the homeless pet population down. When they moved to their new facility years ago, they were going to start a low cost spay/neuter-never happened. They are tight with local vets and don't want to irritate them. Here is a link to some more HSI info http://movetoact.org/objective2.html I'm glad that you spoke to both of them. Not everybody is comfortable talking to people about puppy mills but we need to educate people. I have some extra fliers if you would like some. They are really great at getting the point across. There will be another Pet store protest this saturday the 14th. It will be at Uncle Bills in Fishers and Safari Pets in Avon. Please everyone, join us at one or the other. It is only an hour and a half out of your day. That is nothing compared to what the mill dogs go through 24/7.

Good job, Nancy!! I'm working on learning to speak up more and bite tongue less. It's hard sometimes though! Especially when you don't know someone very well. I have to be careful not to get too passionate and come across as crappy.