I have never been to a "flea market". I made Scott (my husband) aware of that a few weeks ago and he said that he would take me to a huge one. Saturday morning, Helen (my 13 year old daughter) even got up early to join us, and we drove about 30 miles to Anderson, SC to the "Jockey Lot" a HUGE flea market.

Well, I have to tell you, that even parking was an adventure. And we wound our way thorough all these people selling things out of their trunks or on tables behind their cars. We saw one pickup truck (covered back) with Boxer pups for $200. Sweet little babies, they made me want to take all of them with me. I have friends who have talked about this before, but it didn't prepare me for what I witnessed.

Boy was I in for a surprise. Those Boxers were the first of many puppies and other animals that I would see Saturday. The first row we went down, once we got out of the parking lot, was all pets of all kinds. I'm talking about hundreds of them!!!!

We saw puppies of every single possible breed, mostly small ones (Chihuahuas, Shitzu (sp?), Boston Terrier), plus Lab Mix, Pit Mix, precious German Shepherd puppies, Golden Mix, and many more, all in tight quarters. Plus, Turtles, Iguanas, Snakes, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Geese, Ducks, Rabbits, Goats, Chickens, and even two Cockatiels, etc. It was the most heartbreaking sight I have ever witnessed, and I definitely know that Helen has inherited my love for animals (as if it were a question). Finally, after trying real hard to at least endure it, my husband and daughter got me out of there, as I had tears flowing. I wanted to bring every one of those precious babies and run. The saddest sight of all was a big plastic bin, guarded by one girl, that said "Free Lab Mix Puppies. Will be Euthanized on Monday if someone doesn't take them". Bless their darling hearts, they were so precious. I'm sure they had "pit/lab" in their history. The next time we came by, she was gone. I am in hopes that each of those 10 puppies found a home where they will be loved and properly cared for.

The strangest part of all of this was that there were no cats, no kittens? I wonder why? It's not as if there aren't any needing homes in our area?

I don't even know why I posted this, except to say that I'm sure that many of those precious little ones will be put to death or live miserable lives. Is there any way to stop this madness? I will never understand it, but as Scott wisely reminded me, there are people of all backgrounds out there, and everyone does not think like I do. I sure would like to educate them. I probably should have, but I kept my mouth closed out of fear of being attacked or embarassing my family.

Logan