North Shore Animal League: Three Tears and a Smile

Recently, North Shore Animal League America rescued three Chihuahuas, who we suspect were the inbred litter from backyard breeders. All three of these precious little bundles, only 10 weeks old, have no front legs. Physical deformities such as these are often the result of irresponsible breeding. While we are happy that the breeders chose to surrender these puppies to a shelter instead of fates far worse, we are saddened that the terrible misfortune of the deformities had to happen at all.

The terrible reality of backyard breeding is nothing new. We see it over and over again and the heartbreaking sadness of it never subsides. Backyard breeders are those who breed their animals for various inappropriate reasons. Often, they do not have bad intentions or even realize that they are contributing to a huge problem, but they are. Backyard breeders often breed animals with the intentions of making money or just imagining how cute it would be if their pet had babies, and what wonderful babies they'd make.

BUT:

~ Where will those babies go?

~ Who will take care of them?

~ Is it safe for the mother animal?

~ Will the babies survive; will it be without incident or harmful repercussions?

It is a common misconception that puppy mills make up the majority of irresponsible breeding. Though puppy mills do contribute, backyard breeding actually makes up more than half of irresponsible breeding. Too often, irresponsible breeding churns out imperfect or unwanted animals who eventually wind up abandoned in shelters, left out to die, sold as healthy pets in pet stores, victims in research laboratories, or wind up as pets to irresponsible owners who perpetuate irresponsible breeding.

North Shore Animal League America rescued the Chihuahua puppies as part of our out-of-state rescue mission. One of our sister shelters, who did not have the proper facilities to care for the pups, reached out and asked for our help. They knew that without the proper care and environment, the puppies would most likely end up being euthanized. Without hesitation, we scooped up the puppies and rushed them to our advanced facility, eager to get them evaluated medically and emotionally.

When you first see these little guys, it seems like a veil of tears. They didn't have to be this way, and it seems so unfair. They are so tiny and seem helpless. How will they ever manage? But after a few moments, those tears of sorrow and dismay turn to a smile of hope and faith. They can manage - they will manage, and North Shore Animal League America is going to help them.

Two females and a male - all in good health - are hopping around, playing, barking, pouncing, and learning to use their back legs to stand upright. We have named them Venus de Milo, Carmen and Pablo. They have no idea that they are disadvantaged and seem very happy to have each other and to be alive. They are as sweet as can be and get around surprisingly well.