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A Dog Auction...my personal experience...

March 18, 2008, 10:13AM MT

By Becky Monroe

This experience changed my life. I hope you will read this two part segment and realize Puppy Mills need to be outlawed - TODAY.

This experience changed my life. I hope you will read this two part segment and realize Puppy Mills need to be outlawed - TODAY.

By: Becky Monroe, Network Volunteer

I have no idea where to begin this story… On Wednesday, March 12, I attended my first dog auction in Thorp, WI. I had so many fears about what it would be. And sadly, each and every one of them came alive.

I had begged a friend of mine to tag along for moral support, so Margie came with me. As we drove closer to Thorp, on the cold, dark and windy day, our anxiety level grew. We would say things like, “I am freaking out!” or “There seems to be a sense of ominous darkness in this area.”

I am sure there is. Clark county is home to over 23 puppy mills – over half of all the puppy mills in the state of Wisconsin. At least at last “count.”

We found the auction barn whose entrance was lined with protesters. They were all dressed in orange holding signs that read, “Stop the abuse,” “Ban puppy mills,” “Stop the Hell.”

Stopping the Hell seems like an exaggeration to those unfamiliar with the puppy mill business, but we would find out in just minutes that Hell has got to be better than what these dogs endure.

Since my original intention was to join the protest, we walked out and found one of the leaders. Her name is Eilene Rhode and she is with the The WI Puppy Mill Project. She informed us of the many things her organization has done to end this horridness. Last year, they made a large buy and purchased half the dogs at the auction. She explained how they have the support of many large organizations: PETA, WI Humane, WI Vet organization and many more including Best Friends. Sadly, WI legislation is extremely slow to grasp the understanding of the horrendous business they allow to “thrive” in their state. It is animal cruelty at its best.

Though we were scared to go in, Eilene told us that if we wanted to know what we were protesting we should go in and see. And, we should do it before the auction started because, otherwise, we wouldn’t really be able to see the dogs.

We made our way to the pole barn. Our hearts were racing with anxiety and fear. The sign on the door read, “No cameras, no recordings.” We walked in completely unaware of what we would see or how we would be seen.

At first glance, we saw the chairs and bleachers all set-up…and then to our right were stacks of hay, hiding numerous cages filled with dogs. Cautiously, we made our way to the entrance of the hay stacks and immediately, my heart sank. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes.

Hundreds of dogs in cages: no barking, no whining. Some not doing anything –only curled up, looking away from all the people.

My stomach knotted and it was all I could do to not faint or scream. This was Hell.

I cry as I write this; re-living the experience. Every fear I had was glaring at me. Cage upon cage, I would see these adorable dogs with no spirit. They had checked out of this world. They wouldn’t respond to even the friendliest of hands. They were broken and it broke my heart.

Dachshunds, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Westies, Yorkies, French Bulldogs, Bichons, Poodles, Min. Pin, and many more. Including #171…

#171 was the oldest and most pathetic dog at the auction. He was listed as a Chinese Crested and with all the matted hair, obviously a Powder Puff.

Margie and I talked on our drive to the auction if we would try to rescue any. We are not a shelter or a rescue. I am a writer for Best Friends and a Board member for my county shelter, but I had no real place for a dog. But, the thought was there. Margie has a fondness for the Doxies and she had already started her list of the most pathetic ones.

Even though our intentions were only to see what a dog auction was and how the dogs in puppy mills were treated, we couldn’t leave the auction barn. I believe that protesting is important. People need to see what an atrocity this is, but I was so overwhelmed with grief and pain, I could only stay and watch in disbelief.

As we each, slowly, went from cage to cage, trying to engage the dogs – Quietly hoping that our sincere voices and gentle touch would raise their spirits, our agony grew. There were so many.

Next I knew, Margie was getting her license from the car so we would have a bidding number.

I stared at so many dogs. Holding back the tears. Trying to find some sense of understanding. It is the year 2008, how could such cruelty exist? I admit my naivety. Being at this auction was the second step in pursuing my passion of animal welfare. A few years ago, I finally stepped in my county shelter. This experience made that one seem like a walk in the park.

There were two Beagles who would only coward in their cage. I would stick my finger through the chicken wire to pet them and they felt nothing. Their eyes stung my soul; they were done. Their life was nothing but agony so they had checked out. It is so extremely sad – beyond words.

One by one, I would speak to them, “Hey little guy…” I would open the cage door and pet them. But, only a moment with each one because the line of cages seemed unending.

Somehow some spoke to me more than others. Perhaps, it was their eyes… screaming to me, “Get me out.”

A Mennonite man touched me on the shoulder and said, “The auction is about to start, and you need to go to the seats.”

Brought back to the present, I realized I was the only one left at the cages. I was terrified and numb and completely sick to my stomach.

I made my way to the seats and found Margie who already had a bidding number. They were out of the auction packets. Which, ironically featured a beautiful, female Maltese on the cover with a pretty bow tied on her head. There weren’t any dogs who looked like that here.

Click here to read part two...

Comments

Posted March 18, 2008, 11:17AM by Singingbluesrescue

As I read your story, I reflected on my attendance at the first auction. I have since attended two other auctions including the one on March 12. The saddest part of the story is that this was the cleanest auction I have attended with the fewest dogs with gross medical issues. Trust me, the others have all been much worse. I guess you would have to call it different levels of hell.

While I recognize the catch 22 involved with rescues buying at auctions, I have helped pull a total of 5 dogs from the auctions now. They have all served as important education tools. I have been able to write to my representatives and local paper with the list of medical ailments and emotional trauma that they all came with.

I purchased one of the two Beagles at the auction. I want you to know that he is doing well and improving daily. He is nearly deaf, but his spirit is strong. He will find a wonderful home and will never suffer that neglect again. I hope that his story will continue to educate others about what goes on at these auctions.

Posted March 18, 2008, 1:54PM by cattees

God bless you for bringing to light the behind the scenes goings on of these horrendous events. It takes a heck of lot more than courage to endure something like this. I pray your account will open eyes and help bring an end to any and all animal auctions.

Posted March 21, 2008, 3:20PM by go_cat_go

Sharon,
The site for The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project is:
http://www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com/

The following alert is taken from the site:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"PLEASE Urge the WI Legislature to Study the Problem of Puppy Mills in Depth!

With your help, the topic of Puppy Milling in Wisconsin may be chosen for in-depth study by the Wisconsin State Legislature!

Each year, the Wisconsin Legislative Council and key legislators consider topics to be studied in depth. A number of study groups are then formed to assess these topics, find solutions for Wisconsin's problems, and prepare for the challenges the state may face in the future.

The bi-partisan groups are made up of legislators and specialists with expertise in the study area. The public is also encouraged to become involved in the studies, which in almost all cases result in legislative drafts!

Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) and Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) will be the two key legislators making the critical decision as to which EIGHT of the 75 suggested topics will be reviewed by the legislative Council.

We would like everyone to contact these two legislators (see below for info) and respectfully ask them to select puppy mills as one of the topics for study. If you live in Appleton or Madison it is ESPECIALLY important, as these are YOUR law-makers.

Please click on the link below to read the press release, then contact Rep Wieckert and Sen Risser and ask them to select Puppy Mills - Item 24 as one of the Legislative Council Studies. Remind them that puppy mills are springing up at an alarming rate in Wisconsin. The impact on consumers and humane organizations is tremendous, not to mention the loss of tax revenue from this unlicensed, uninspected and unregulated industry.

Rep. Wieckert Press Release/List of Topics Under Consideration (PDF)"

We ask that you PLEASE write, call, fax or email before March 27th as we expect the selection to take place before the end of March, 2008!

Representative Steve Wieckert (R)
APPLETON - District Number 57
Rep.wieckert@legis.wisconsin.gov
Phone (608) 266-3070
Fax (608) 282-3657
Capitol 16 West
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708

Senator Fred Risser (D)
MADISON (Dane County) - District Number 26
Sen.risser@legis.wisconsin.gov
Phone (608) 266-1627
Fax (608) 266-1629
Capitol 220 South
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707-7882

Posted March 20, 2008, 7:28AM by SharonandBrando

Thank for opening my eyes and helping me understand this cruelty to animals and why we need to stop puppy mills.

How can I help raise awareness?

How can I get our government to stop this?

When is the next auction so I can protest.?

We need to educate the public.

How about informing Channel 4 news out of Milwaukee who recently undercovered a sick puppy mill in central Wisconsin.

You are courageous as I don't think I could walk into the barn-I would be crying my eyes...... I struggle with animal cruelty but will do anything in my power to raise awareness...

Let me know how I can help.

WISCONSIN LEGISLATION NEEDS TO GET OFF THEIR DUFF AND MOVE ON THIS!

Thanks
Sharon Hubbard and canine pal, Brando
Allenton, WI