I'm fuming!!! ~ ~ RANT

[pomtzu]

A couple of summers ago I noticed a sign by a vacant building out on the highway - Pet Shop Coming Soon. Of course that sparked my interest, and I did what I could to find out the details, because I was determined that it somehow could be blocked. I couldn't learn any details anywhere, and I never saw any evidence of the shop opening, so I figured whatever was going on, the plans fell thru. HOORAY!!! I hardly ever go by that place, since I most always take the back roads to Dover and back, but today I did take the highway home after a quick trip to the mall. I just happened to glance over at the building, and outside there was a big sign ALL PUPPIES 50% OFF. What the heck???? I didn't even know the place opened, and there are no signs what-so-ever on the building to indicate that it is even occupied - let alone that it's a pet shop!!!! I was so angry that I almost turned the car around to go back there and see what was going on, but I knew I'd be in for a heap of trouble if I did. In my mind I thought; I'll go in there and demand to know what puppy mill or BYB that they got the puppies from - and what do you have to hide by not having a sign that identifies your business - and why are you selling these puppies for 50% off - they must be sick in some way. Oh yeah - I probably would have created a scene and then these morons would have called the cops to cart me away. Or if that didn't happen, I'd be in tears for the poor little pups - and probably there are kitties in there too!

So I'm wondering why no sign on the building - it doesn't make sense. How are they doing any business if no one knows what the building is? I'm stumped. It's not like it's a hidden underground operation - they are right on the major north-south highway in DE. I'm afraid that sooner or later, I will end up inside that building trying to get the scoop, and then wish forever that I had never seen that sign in the first place, and also that I never walked thru the door. Lord only know what the conditions are like inside.

[beeniesmom]

Ugh, I'd be so angry too. Not sure about where you live but there are county / city fees for signs on buildings here. Maybe there is no sign attached to the building but the mobile one they can remove anytime to avoid paying fees. ??? Just an uneducated guess. I hope noone buys anything and they have to close thier doors.

[Karen]

Bring a digital camera, take pictures, and notes. Ask a lot of questions, pretend to be interested, ask about meeting the puppies' parents, etc. Theater - on the first visit, act act act so they don't get suspicious. If we're lucky, they are rescue pups brought in from somewhere, but I admit that's unlikely, given your proximity to Pennsylvania. And once you get some facts under your belt, contact the local media, get a news or TV crew in there, and then if necessary, find where you can legally picket them! People need to know!

[Asiel]

That would have me upset too. Sit tight, gather your thoughts, make notes of everything you want to investigate, take a deep breath and then take the plunge. You could go in for the first time pretending you just spotted the building, checking if it's a pet shop and if they sell food or doggie stuff. Mention that you didn't see a sign.That will give you a chance to check out the animals, and I'm sure if you ask questions the answers will be all lies. But if you do spot something not right, then you should call your local SPCA and report it.
I know it's hard when you have to turn and leave behind the unfortunate animals in there but just maybe you can get the troops together and get some action to close them down ...I think you're right about the pups being from a miller.

[Freedom]

You may be able to find info on your local craigslist. Ours constantly has info on "bad" pet shops, "bad" groomers etc. Check under PETS, top left.

[smokey the elder]

You can also contact your Chamber of Commerce to see if they have a license.

[pomtzu]

I checked craigslist and came up with nothing, so I did a Google search for pet shops in Dover, DE. I came up with one that I think is them, since the address they list would put it just about where that building is. Problem is, they list their specialty as exotics and give a long list of exotics and various pet supplies. No where do they mention dogs or cats, but of course that doesn't mean they don't sell them. Perhaps they take in unwanted litters, or even get some from the Amish in the area. As much as I don't really want to, I guess I'm just going to have to stop in there and see for myself what is going on.

[Karen]

I checked craigslist and came up with nothing, so I did a Google search for pet shops in Dover, DE. I came up with one that I think is them, since the address they list would put it just about where that building is. Problem is, they list their specialty as exotics and give a long list of exotics and various pet supplies. No where do they mention dogs or cats, but of course that doesn't mean they don't sell them. Perhaps they take in unwanted litters, or even get some from the Amish in the area. As much as I don't really want to, I guess I'm just going to have to stop in there and see for myself what is going on.

Do, and as I said, bring a digital camera with you, just in case. Remember, I was part of an effort to get a puppy-mill chain store (first of what was going to be many) closed here in Massachusetts. We went in the store and asked a few questions - Paul and I - before going the effort so we'd know first-hand what was happening.

[moosmom]

Ellie,

DEFINITELY bring a camera with you. Look around and see if they have paperwork for EACH AND EVERY dog/puppy, not one long list. By law (at least in CT) those places are required by law to have the name, address and phone number of the breeder as well as the origin WHERE the puppy came from.

I went undercover a year ago when we were protesting the "Home Raised Puppies" place in New Britain. They transport puppies from puppy mills. They were blatantly in violation of the state's laws. I called the Dept of Agriculture and filed a complaint. The puppies were in plastic kiddy pools filled with cedar shavings, no water or food in sight. One of the puppies was curled up either asleep or sick (my opinion is the latter) in the water bowl.

We actually had people stopping by as we were protesting in front of the place, to tell us stories of how they purchased dogs from them and they either died, or were strapped with outrageous vet bills.

Thank you for caring enough to do what you're doing. I'd be pissed too!!