April is Prevention to Cruelty of Animals Month and in mind puppy mills are one of the cruelest things you can do to animals. We now have more than 220K signatures from all over the world. It is so gratifying for us to see so much support for doing what is right. What are we doing beside this petition? • Working on an animal cruelty case to be presented to the proper authorities. We have supporting evidence from the 60 dogs that were rescued and from a few people who have purchased puppies from her recently. Getting a conviction on animal cruelty will not only free the remaining dogs but make sure that she can never own animals again. It is a long road but we want a permanent solution • Continuing to pressure the NY Ags and Market team to enforce state laws regarding puppy mills through this petition, letter writing campaigns and other forms of social media • Getting a plan together to hand deliver the petition to the Governor,, Richard Ball and Dr. David Smith. Currently the petition with signatures is over 5200 pages and we will add all the comments on the site and the petition as well. We need to get media attention in Albany and hopefully state wide for this effort. • Continuing tweeting and posting on FB to other sites and people who we think could aid our cause What Can You Do • Continue to share this petition and our story with your friends and family • Spread the word at dog events in your area. We have posted a hard copy of the petition and some flyers on our DropBox page https://www.dropbox.com/sh/t5hkgv8xvoqg3nf/AAAFTpuclmXY8aTACkeTKV2Fa?dl=0 • If you have contacts at dogs blogs, newspapers or TV sites, please tell them about this story. A Touching Update Kassidy is one of the older females we have been able to rescue. She had been forced to breed repeatedly and came out of the shelter with a lot of issues. Kassidy has endured 2 torn ACL’s , a torn meniscus, mammary cancer, dental extractions, an optical issue, a GI issue, and extreme anxiety since her release from Marjorie’s kennel on 2/28/14. She has gone through a tough year but through the love and care of her wonderful family (Sandi and Jesse) she is now a happy young lady. Here is a letter her Mom wrote to her this week. (Tissue Alert) Dear sweet girl, It’s late at night and I should be sleeping, but I’m watching you peacefully sleep. I remember how you used to sleep, with one eye open, ready to bolt. No more, it is such a comforting sight for me to see you so relaxed. I wanted to tell your story when there was a happy ending and it's finally time. First of all I want to apologize for your first 3 months here. June, July, and August were a nightmare for you. Please know that I didn’t want to do that PT at least 2X a day either. It wasn’t my idea. And I really didn’t want to carry you up and down a full flight of stairs every couple hours to try to teach you house potty rules .Though physically it was hard for me, I know it was worse for you. You cringed every time I caught you and picked you up. And the appointments, at least one/week to the vet, PT, acupuncture, etc. I’m sorry I had to drag you all over when the others got to stay home. I was just following the advice of the surgeon and vet, trying to find anything to help your pain and anxiety. Every time I reached for you, your eyes just killed me. I wished I didn’t have to touch you so often just yet, but I did, so I Searched for ways to tell you I would never hurt you, that I wanted and loved you. I hope you understood. So exactly how and when did you become a social butterfly? It started in Sept. when you were finally able to call a few shots. Most appointments were over and the dreaded PT was done. Wait, did you just go up and down the stairs? When you wanted, by yourself? Tug of war with Kirby, chewing antlers, and hooting and hollering when you feel it’s suppertime .Wait, this is normal dog behavior. Remember when you used to hide in the bathroom for almost all day, praying I wouldn’t come near you. And what’s with the car? You were in that puppy mill for 6+ years. Never went anywhere. How did you come to love to drive around and look out the window? And the food – you wouldn’t take food from my hand or a fork at all. Somehow going out to lunch changed that. Was it the burger? I’m happy that almost every night I think you just ate your favorite meal. You like my cooking, thank you for being so easy to please. You have become a little princess with a personality now. We have had many little rescue girl kees in the past, but none have stole Daddy’s heart like you. How did you do it? He fusses at all the rest of us, but never you. Can you share your secret? I thank you for adjusting so nicely to the other house. I was worried about that. But you figured out that shore time is kees time. Thank you for enjoying all our outings and learning such nice out of the house manners. I’m so glad I can give you these times. You seem so happy when we are all together having new experiences. I know I cry over you pretty often. I’m sorry; I don’t mean to, I just get overwhelmed. I used to cry with sadness over all you had to endure and your frightened reactions to normal things. Please know now that I cry happy tears when I see your confidence to do things you could never have done just a few months ago. I was just your foster Mom. But I knew I could never let you go. I know you enjoyed your special party on your birthday. But it was so much more. I was allowed to formally adopt you that day and I’m sorry I hugged you so tightly. I think I scared you. Then again with my loud laughing cause Daddy had you on his lap and was reading the adoption contract to you .He was just trying to make you understand that you are ours and that no one can take you now. Can you feel how proud you make me? Your road was long and hard, but you never gave up. I hope you realize that you have made me a better person and taught me things no human could. Dear sweet girl, if granted one wish, I would take away your horrible past and memories, I would in a minute. But I can’t. But I can promise you that from this day forward, your life will be a joy. I promise you peace, love and compassion till the day you die. The respect and dignity every dog deserves will always be yours. Thank you Kassidy, for being my girl. Love, Mom