Tori's Story

Tori was a puppy of about 12 weeks when we met. I was working part time at the five and dime...no, wait-that's a Prince song. I was actually working part time in a flower shop in Troy, IL. One of the partners that I worked for was very active in animal care a rescue. One very quiet afternoon, a woman came in a was speaking to Joan, my boss. I found out later that Linda was with ARRF in Collinsville, IL. I was walking past, when I saw a small, shivery, tiny puppy staring right at me. Her black eyes looked sad, sick and very very scared. Weaping, I took her out of Linda's arms. Linda said, kindly "She's covered in poop". I said that I just didn't even care. She was mine. I called my landlord to make sure it was okay and he said "sure". Linda told me that she had several more puppies that needed homes. I had to ask where they came from. Joan said two words that I will never, in my entire life forget. "Puppy Mill". Linda had rescued about 25 dogs from a substandard puppy mill in Illinois. Joan adopted one and I adopted Tori. They needed immediate vetting, they were both vomiting with horrible diarrhea. Tori came home with me that night and slept in her new bed with her new toys and forgot all about where she had come from. She took baths with me, she slept with me. She had become my child.

Tori has kept me sane. Through two really bad breakups, the death of my father, homelessness...Tori has been next to me the entire time. Keeping me on this earth at times. She is 5 now. Getting gray around the muzzle. Happier than ever. Still my child.

I promised her that around the time of her birthday, August 23, every year I would learn as much as I could about puppy mills and try like mad to end the cruelty and neglect that occurs in them. This past August came and went, and with a lot of research and getting in contact with the right people, I couldn't let go. My research and advocacy continues.

Puppy Mills are taking their last breath and, mark my words, before Tori leaves this earth, changes for the better will have occurred.

Support Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention. Never buy. Rescue.