I got my first poodle at a "mom and pop" pet shop, not one of the big chains in the malls. That was in 1970 and I didn't know anything about puppy mills and had never even heard of them. Thankfully she was healthy and an absolutely awesome dog who lived to her teens. I have had 5 poodles since her and they all came from breeders except for Ripley, my rescue dog. When I go into a pet shop now (which I am ALWAYS compelled to do when I am in the mall.....can't help it, just have to see those sweeties....it's not their fault that they're in there), I stand there and think:

1) Poor mamas of all of these dogs. They are probably still back at the "mill" having another litter and living a horrible life!
2) How would a person ever housebreak a puppy that has been forced to go potty inside a wire cage all day? Will they really know the difference when they go home? Won't they just "go" in their crate? Then the unknowing owner turns them into the shelter because they can't be housebroken.
3) Is anyone exercising these dogs, except for the occasional person who might take one into the "get acquainted" room? Puppies are barrels of energy. They need their play time!
4) Finally, why are they costing so much? Answer: so everyone gets a piece of the pie - the puppy mill and the pet shop!

I will never learn. I still visit them and leave sadder than when I came in. People must be educated about what goes on behind the scenes and encouraged to stop buying these pet store dogs. That is the only way that they will close down and the source of the dogs (puppy mills) must be outlawed.