This is my dog, Keiler. He’s almost 9 years old – which is pretty old for a large breed like his. He’s a hovawart – an old breed of German guard dog that comes in blond, black, or what I call “Rottweiler” (black and brown).
Keiler is a remarkable dog. He’s got an artificial hip he got a couple of years ago, as a result of hip dysplasia which had degenerated to the point that he could barely walk. Yet he never misses a chance to go out for a jaunt – sometimes, when I’m not watching, without his owner. He knows the route.
Like many pedigreed dogs, Keiler comes from a so-called “puppy mill.” The name sounds odious, but basically it’s just a commercial dog breeder that specializes in certain breeds, and often contributes to preserving or improving certain breeds, all for a profit. But there’s a loophole in the oversight of so-called puppy mills. And we’ve all heard the stories – not all dogs are as lucky as Keiler has been.
You may not like “big government” but there are some basic oversight issues that are being looked at by the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act that require implementation. If you love dogs, consider taking a look at what you can do to help convince your representatives in Congress to support it. Check out this link to find out more about the PUPS Act. Although it has a cute acronym, an additional nudge from you won’t hurt…
