b'Some stores even have deceptive blanket waivers for allissues, but these are unenforceable. Thedeeperissueisthatanimalssoldinpetstores/onlinecomefromhellishcommercialbreedingfactories, known as puppy mills. Disease and neglectare common. These animals do not come from lovinghobby breeders like the stores imply. Puppy breeding isan agribusiness. The focus is on profit-per-unit, not well-being. By the time health problems arise, the breeders arelonggone. Theinternetisfullofhorrorstoriesfrompeople who just wanted to give an animal a good home.Andthereareplentymorehorrorstoriesaboutthepuppy mills.Buyers can investigate breeding conditions for them-selves.Googlethenamesonthepaperwork.LicensedbreedersareregulatedbytheUSDA.Reportsonthebreeders, often with pictures, are freely available on theUSDA website. Check to see if they are on the HumaneSociety of the United States Horrible Hundred. Petstores that sell puppies support these puppy mills thatsupply them with their inventory. The good news is that pet parents have all the powerhere. Buyers can sidestep the puppy mills (and healthproblems) by building a relationship with local breedersandvisitinghomeswheretheanimalscomefrom.Reputable breeders are transparent and welcome involve-ment.Buyerscanadoptadogwithamorecompletemedical history. They can reach out to local breed-specif-ic rescue groups if they are looking for something morespecific. Even better, go to a shelter. They do not supportpuppy mills. The Puppy Lemon Law is a decent fallback if mis-takes were made. But once we know better, we can dobetter. Buyers can choose where to spend their money,and what practices they support. Dont roll the dice withyour wallet or your heart. Always make sure you knowexactly where the animals came from.Uwww.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 55'