Beware Puppy Mills! Tips To Find an Ethical & Reputable Breeder
Covered in Pet Hair – Season 3, Episode – Puppy Mills vs Ethical Breeding with Jo Anne Kloster
In this episode, I invited animal advocate and puppy mill denouncer, Jo Anne Kloster, to discuss her journey learning about and speaking against puppy mills. We play a game about the realities of puppy mills. And, we discuss the best ways to find an ethical or reputable breeder. I share my frustration with the impulse-buying of dogs from breeders, which sets families up for puppy mill purchases. We provide lots of better options and insights to help families get the best puppy without supporting greedy commercial dog breeders.
CHAPTERS
INTRO: 00:00
GAME 1: 3:30
GAME 2: 17:30
GUEST INFO: 37:30
GUEST BIO
Animals have always held a special place in Jo Anne Kloster’s life. Since she was little, her family’s companion animals were her besties, comfort, and joy. In her world, animals were treated like family because they were.
Then, in 2009, Jo Anne’s worldview changed drastically after adopting a tiny white Maltese named Cagney. Friends referred them to the Northcentral Maltese Rescue in Racine, WI. Mary Palmer’s amazing group rescued and fostered hundreds of puppy mill dogs into loving homes.
So, what’s a puppy mill? The pictures Jo Anne found told the saddest story. Dogs were locked in cages like chickens at factory farms. Mama dogs, filthy and matted, stared out with empty eyes from wire-floor cages. Research revealed these dogs suffer emotional trauma for years after being rescued. If they were that lucky.
Her dog, Cagney, a puppy mill survivor, was locked in a cage until he was seven months old. He had antisocial behavior which worsened over time. His separation anxiety also increased. Thankfully, he allowed Jo Anna’s husband and her into his heart.
Fast forward. Life with Cagney became Jo Anna’s topic during writing workshop sessions. Her students had many questions about Cagney’s behaviors, puppy mills, and how to help dogs in these facilities. Would a full-blown story about a dog rescued from a puppy mill help a younger audience understand the problem of pet store puppies?
Eventually, Lily Unleashed was written. And merged with the idea of Empty Cages Press. Now young people can know what Lily, the main character, comes to know about puppy mills. They will learn that they have the power to speak for the puppy mill dogs by never buying puppies sold at pet stores or online. And that telling others about pet store puppies will help, as well.
LINKS
ABOUT THE SHOW
Covered in Pet Hair is a boozy show for pet lovers! Join pet pros and enthusiasts for drinks, games, and expert tips.
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Also available weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, & major podcasting platforms
ABOUT THE HOST
A pet care industry entrepreneur, Isabel Alvarez Arata is a freelance journalist, writer, and copywriter with a focus on business, marketing, and lifestyle. Her passion lies in sharing her knowledge of pets, pet care, and pet-friendly living. She contributes to various online and print outlets including the Mount Pleasant Magazine and HealthLinks family of publications. She offers weekly pet industry blogging and general copywriting services for pet industry businesses. She also hosts Covered in Pet Hair, a boozy show for pet lovers.
Isabel currently shares her home with her husband, two young children, old dog, Caera, and new kitten, Van Gogh.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this video and on the Covered in Pet Hair YouTube Channel do not constitute veterinary or behavioral advice. Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Covered in Pet Hair YouTube Channel, its host, or its sponsors. Please discuss your pets’ unique circumstances with your veterinary team.
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