We purchased a West Highland Terrier here two years ago. We were assured that our puppy was raised in a home with kids around playing and romping and having the time of their lives. The day after we got home, our puppy developed kennel cough and coughed and hacked for over a week and had to take puppy pills for his condition. The breeder on the paperwork we received, was described by employees as a hobby breeder who had a few dogs of his own and decided to have a few puppies for fun. Imagine my surprise this year when Junior Horton was identified as the head of a huge puppy mill right here in Virginia. I recognized the name, and looked at our paperwork, and sure enough, this ""hobby breeder"" was responsible for a huge, unconscionable puppy mill where our little guy had started his life. No happy family home hugging him and playing with him, just hundreds of other neglected, sad dogs whining and barking. It burns me up that, by giving the mill a place to sell their puppies, Pauley's helped to maintain those dogs in those horrid conditions. While my Westie has maintained health and character, I can't blame the streak of Westie stubbornness on a puppy mill; I am sad for his siblings and his poor mother who suffered so. Please research your breeders when you decide to buy a puppy! Go to their home and see the parents, watch how everyone interacts together. Learn from the heartwrenching stories of so many others who have purchased beloved pets from places that offer a warehouse for puppy mills and offer multiple types of puppies brought to one location and have ended up having to give them up or have them put down. It isn't all about the money you are investing. It is about all those thousands of mistreated animals, a lack of concern for breeding standards and long term health of your pet. Beware. And don't be fooled by employees standing around in scrubs. You may come home with a sick pup.
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