Woman Writes Heartwrenching Letter To Puppy Mill Breeder

 In the short time she had with Lily, Theresa did her best to make up for years of abuse and neglect she suffered in the puppy mill.


Ever wish you'll confront the folks that were liable for causing the love of your life, your dog’s, misery?Theresa Strader founded the National Mill Dog Rescue in 2007 in honor of her Italian greyhound Lily – who was a billboard child for the abuse and neglect puppy mill dog's go through.


Lily had spent the primary seven years of her life as a breeding dog. Here is her story, according the website: “Lily spent all of her days confined to a little , cold wire cage a dark, foul-smelling barn. Never was she far away from her cage for exercise or socialization. In her dreary confines, Lily was forced to supply one litter after another with no respite. Like all commercial breeding dogs, she was a veritable breeding machine whose worth was measured in just a method – her ability to supply puppies.


Lily had endured tons of abuse in the name of profit before being rescued. Image source: National Mill, Dog Rescue By the age of seven, Lily was wiped out. Commonplace within the industry, she had received little to no veterinary care throughout her life, the results of which, for her, was terribly disturbing. thanks to years of no care , poor quality food, rabbit bottle watering and no appropriate chew toys, the roof of Lily’s mouth and mandible , had rotted away. Her chest was riddled with mammary tumors and she or he was absolutely scared of people.



She finally received the care and love she deserved. Image source: National Mill, Dog Rescue In May 2008, Lily gave up the ghost reception and took refuge in the embrace of her loving adoptive father and family. Just fifteen months after her rescue.

While trying to affect Lily’s passing, Thersea wrote the subsequent potent letter. And while it’s addressed to Lily’s breeder, we hope it'll strike a note with anyone involved within the breeding or selling of dogs in mills.



Read this letter here, reprinted with permission from the National Mill Dog Rescue:Rescue: Dear Martha, It’s been fifteen months since you and that I first met. Quite likely, you remember little or no about me. After all, we met in your world, on your property actually . Since that day, elements of your world became a really big a part of mine. For that, myself and lots of like-minded people are very thankful to you.


In February 2007, I received an email – “50 Italian Greyhounds in need” and So, a phone number.number. Having had a lifetime affinity for the breed, I called the number to seek out out what the story was and the way i'd be ready to help. I’m certain you recognize where this letter goes now.


Yes, February 17, 2007, after 40+ years, your kennel would be going out of business. Time to retire and relax after four decades of mistreating dogs. There will be 561 dogs heading to the auction area that day, of which 49 are Italian greyhounds.Greyhounds. It had been without a doubt that i might help, though i need to admit, I had no idea what i might come to find out through the method . thanks to transportation issues, i noticed that if I were to be of any use to those dogs, i might need to drive bent Lamar myself. So, on the 16th of February, my daughter and that i headed to Missouri.



Understand, I’ve been involved in dog rescue my entire life – fostering and placing homeless dogs, caring for sick or injured dogs, assisting overpopulated shelters, etc. I have always known about puppy mills and pet store puppies but haven't shared my home with anything besides rescued animals. For the record, I'm NOT AN ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. What i'm may be a one that believes within the right to humane treatment for all living things.


Martha, everything I have witnessed on your property is far from humanity.humane. Many terrified, ailing faces, imprisoned in their wire confines, some watching me, but most too fearful to seem into my eyes, so unsure of how to interpret human contact. that have has caused me countless sleepless nights and to the present very day, the sadness and therefore the fear in their eyes haunts my very being.


I am fully aware that you are only working well within the standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – what a despicable thought that's . I'm also aware that in your circles, commercial breeding dogs are considered livestock. Dogs aren't livestock, Martha. Thousands of years ago, men domesticated dogs to be our protectors, hunters, herders, guardians, but most of all, our companions.



I came home with thirteen of your dogs – nine Italian Greyhounds, two Dachshunds and two Papillons. In more than 25 years of rescue work, none of the dogs I have cared for is on the verge of physical and emotional damage to your dog.suffered. BecauseBecause it is related to saving dogs, the next few months will represent my lifelong education.


However, the whole purpose of this letter is only about one of these dogs. This dog will find her and my family's home here forever... #251 – AKC registered “Reedgate’s Swift Motion.” Oh, the irony of her name – Swift Motion – an Italian greyhound who was never ready to run. She was kept in a cage all her life, so that her legs did not have enough strength to experience the fun of running. A cruel reality for a breed built to run.

In our house, we cut the chain from her neck, put on a soft collar, and named her Lily. Lily was released when she was seven years and one month old.


Lily is one of your few dogs that lack a mandible. I'm wondering how you would possibly explain why numerous of your dogs were affected by this condition. I'm wondering if you were ever concerned about their pain or perhaps about how they were ready to eat enough to remain alive. I'm wondering what percentage died in your care from the results of this condition. i'm wondering if you even noticed. I’m very certain you probably did notice one thing beyond the rotting faces though – their ability to supply puppies. That’s what your business is all about – producing puppies, at any expense.



Lily has become an absolute treasure of our family. Despite her many health problems and extreme fears, over time, with a lot of love and care, she found her courage. When she did this, no one could resist her love. Men, women, and young people all listened to her story in tears and had endless fun to meet her. Lily’s life was not about what she could do for you but instead, how we could make it up to her during a warm and loving home.


It was agonizing for our family to see her suffer through four surgeries to get rid of mammary tumors, to aim to repair her decaying face and to spay her — removing the papery black, pus filled organ that was once her uterus. How selfish you are, never know her pain, just dollars.


Directly due to your negligence, every meal Lily eats is a struggle. We tried numerous foods then many various ways to form it easier for her to eat. But in the end, she had to try to do it her way, the way she learned at your home, the way she kept herself alive for you – picking kibbles out of her bowl, a couple of at a time together with her feet, spreading them round the floor, then rubbing the “good” side of her face along the ground to catch a kibble on her tongue, then extending her neck upwards and swallowing it whole. believe that, Martha. How would you wish to eat only one meal that way?


Do you remember sitting in my car when the auction was over? The blokes were gathering up the dogs that I had “won.” You said to me, “I just love my Italian Greyhounds.” Oh, the thoughts that went through my mind when those words came out of your mouth. You don’t love any dogs, Martha. What you might do is spend forty years with your god given life using dogs for your personal gain. No reference to their physical or mental well-being, just cashing in on their ability to breed . believe the thousands of dogs that skilled your hands – you robbed every single one among them of the straightforward joys they so deserve. an honest meal, a warm and cozy place to sleep, medical attention, and most of all, a person's companion to form their lives whole


Lily has learned a lot in our family-about being a loved person, being a dog, being a worthy person. i will be able to always be bothered that she never learned the way to run or the way to play. But she learned the way to love and be loved, and for this, she didn't have any words. She changed our lives forever.



Lilly suffered for seven years of her life at a puppy mill as a breeding dog. Image source: National Mill Dog Rescue Lily died on May 13, 2008, at the age of 8-about half the expected value of an Italian Greyhound. Martha, she died as an immediate result of the neglect she suffered for seven years in your care. What percentage others have suffered an equivalent fate? This industry has been hidden far too long. The word is out, the times are numbered. People such as you will soon venture out into fields of honest work and leave the care of God’s creatures to those folks who truly love them.


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  • Debnova
    Debnova September 8, 2021 at 7:48 PM

    Puppy Mills should be shut down. Lily was just one example of a wasted life, having to endure so much pain and neglect. Many more animal welfare laws have been enacted in the last 5 years or so - dog chaining laws. no selling of puppy mill dogs in some areas, etc.
    The Agriculture dept. is the governing body over these mills, and the dogs are considered "livestock" and the care of them is less for that designation. Lobbyists for the mills defend them in Washington and shield them. CAREFUL : many mills are now "disguising" who they are and agents sell the pups and say they are not mill owners, which may be technically correct, but the pups did come from a mill. Please , try locally to change laws that allow mills and make new laws, which the people can propose and back. I am sorry Lily or any animal had thru such a sad life. We need to change and stop hurting pets. Be well.

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    • Unknown
      Unknown September 10, 2021 at 2:09 AM

      How can anyone who calls themselves a human, consign !
      a dog to a living hell like this. Don't they have any conscience at all? or any feelings about how it is for the animal? This is so heartbreaking

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      • JB
        JB September 10, 2021 at 5:04 AM

        No puppy mill exists on its own..its those who BUY those puppies is why they exist. Its those who feel sorry for the puppies but forgetting about how that puppy came into this world. How the parents of that puppy suffer every day of their lives at the hands of those who only care about what they produce not the animals needs or whats best for the animal. Those who use puppy mills as a source of income are monsters we call human they are evil in every way and the surrounding the animals are forced to live in shows their concern its NONE! Why does a civilized society we are suppose to be let this go on and on and on until the adult animals dies of the neglect those OWNERS force on the animals... Its disgusting and so many are responsible because they continue to BUY the babies produced by the neglect of the property owners of those puppy mills! How can we this society let these horrific places exist and keep making money while the animals suffer horribly day after day... they cant look for tomorrow to play or have a human to love them and give love back they are living breathing tortured species and we all are responsible they exist... laws are made to protect but the laws made for animals is short of torture no its a species being tortured by humans who live off of what they produce! Makes me ashamed to say Im human with a conscious but puppy mills exist whos fighting for those who are caged and abused ! Do we really care about them or do we just wish it didnt exist and feel sad for the animals...well I think its both but wont fight for those we have to be a voice for.. how could any government let these animals suffer such horrific lives or existance is a better word... they do it because there is a profit to be made doing it and its our fault it exists!

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        • Elizabeth Anishinaabe
          Elizabeth Anishinaabe September 10, 2021 at 3:48 PM

          Well said! People who buy these puppies drive the tortuous industry!

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          • Unknown
            Unknown February 21, 2022 at 5:29 AM

            The justice system has to start treating these people with puppy mills as murderers and should be put down for the suffering these poor innocent fur babies go through. Nobody deserves to live for doing harm to kids, animals or any other. They don't deserve to have their feet on the ground we walk on. Makes me sick to read what these beautiful fur babies are put through. Buyers are no better, helping these breeders with the harm they are putting animals like beautiful Lily...RIP beautiful fur angel 😭😭

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          • Unknown
            Unknown September 11, 2021 at 10:58 AM

            I'm crying reading this, as said above itz people who buy the puppies too that continue to profit these monsters, rip wee lily xxx

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            • William
              William September 11, 2021 at 6:42 PM

              I am a 78 year old man and I am crying, too. I have had 3 Iggies and have a special place in my heart for them. But no matter what the breed, treating dogs like the mill owner has done is dreadfully inhumane. RIP Lily.

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              • William
                William September 11, 2021 at 6:42 PM

                I am a 78 year old man and I am crying, too. I have had 3 Iggies and have a special place in my heart for them. But no matter what the breed, treating dogs like the mill owner has done is dreadfully inhumane. RIP Lily.

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                • Unknown
                  Unknown September 12, 2021 at 4:19 AM

                  Why are there so many evil people. Lily was evil, but being evil, she wouldn't care what caring people thought.

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                  • Anonymous September 22, 2022 at 2:30 PM

                    Lilly was the dog, Martha was the breeder

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                  • Unknown
                    Unknown September 12, 2021 at 10:58 AM

                    Where is this place that did this? Tell us so someone can go there and thank the owner for her wonderful treatment of all this animals, especially Lily. I'll go if it's close to me.

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                    • Anonymous September 13, 2021 at 4:31 AM

                      https://nmdr.org

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                      • Unknown
                        Unknown September 15, 2021 at 6:45 AM

                        I am right behind you. Lets put the owners in cages. Breed them tillthey cant give any more. Starve them. None of this would be enough to make up for the thousands of dogs they have tortured. I get physically sick when I read these stories...

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                      • Unknown
                        Unknown September 15, 2021 at 6:43 AM

                        OMG. My tears wont stop flowing. My heart breaks for this sweet girl. Never experiencing grass under her feet. Or a hug or any type of humane treatment. Oh how I wish in Jesus name we could get these puppy mills off the face of the earth. Such a sad, selfish world we live in. Except for the wonderful people like you.You were her Angel. At least she knew love for a little while before she passed. God Bless you..

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                        • Xray
                          Xray February 23, 2022 at 2:27 PM

                          It's sad that we as a superior race cannot see what we are doing to these poor creatures and mend our ways. And help them live their lives.

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                          • Unknown
                            Unknown March 31, 2022 at 5:44 PM

                            I had one dog that came from a puppy mill. Her given name was "puffyangel". when we got her it was because she was to be dumped as she had one litter of pups and the vet told the woman that she was too small and could never have anymore after he delivered them for her. She was not wanted and was to be dumped. Sugar Bee Bunny Rabbit was the name we gave her after we got her. Sugar did not know what it was to go outside in the grass, to lay next to a person while being loved, to sleep in a soft bed snuggled up in the covers. We taught her all of that. We go her at not quite a year old and she passed at 16. I have never bought an animal in my life as everything, including the 4 cats and the blind cocker spaniel who is 15 or so, has been a rescue that no one really wanted and I took in. God Bless these babies!

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                            • Anonymous May 10, 2022 at 7:33 PM

                              RIP Lily...your suffering is over at last. To all the people who own and run any kind of puppy mill...may you one day riot in hell for how you made loving kind caring dogs suffer for money. Dogs are gently kind and loving and not one ever deserved the kind of life they have living in a puppy mill ...

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                              • Anonymous July 2, 2022 at 8:05 PM

                                I’m lost of words , what kind of people are this no empathy whatsoever .but a money hungry . I’d like to swear but it won’t bring back Lily . With all my heart 💓 Rest In Peace .

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                                • Anonymous August 21, 2022 at 7:42 AM

                                  There is a place in hell for the. They all should die a treacherous death .

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                                  • Anonymous September 22, 2022 at 2:32 PM

                                    This is so sad, we just adopted a dog that was dumped at a shelter. Came to find out that she was used for breeding. Most of her teeth are missing. She couldn’t even walk properly. Some people are so evil, like Martha. Very selfish

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                                    • Anonymous February 5, 2023 at 10:02 PM

                                      People who run such disgraceful businesses should be subjected to the same conditions in which they keep their animals, for the same period of time. Never mind, their souls will rot in hell.

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                                      • Anonymous February 7, 2023 at 3:02 AM

                                        You walk in and around a puppy mill look at all the sad dogs that look at you wanting to be taken out of that hell they call a puppy mill because that's where the poor dogs are in hell,you get nightmares seeing it.

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                                        • Anonymous February 7, 2023 at 3:04 AM

                                          Shut em down permanently and put the evil humans in prison for a very very long time.

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                                          • Anonymous February 7, 2023 at 3:09 AM

                                            You just do not treat God's creatures that way,turn the G and D around and that is who gave humans dogs for love and companionship,and some people say they love dogs,what a joke.

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                                            • Anonymous March 18, 2023 at 3:14 PM

                                              It makes me sick that people can do these things to the most faithful animals. They need to be put in jail for a long time..

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                                              • Anonymous July 10, 2023 at 12:14 AM

                                                Such a moving account of Lily's life and how I wish that those who treated her so badly would receive the same treatment that they gave to these poor creatures.The lady who cared for her is much more kind and caring than you, and for that I hope she is blessed by God.

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                                                • Anonymous September 25, 2023 at 5:09 AM

                                                  I hope she feels every pain and suffering each and every dog suffered thru when she passes away! I don't understand why this country allows such cruely! I hope there's karma for all those monsters!

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                                                  • Anonymous November 28, 2023 at 12:40 PM

                                                    If I say what I really feel about that pseudohuman named martha, facebook will send a nasty little message about their standards. I could rattle off a thousand curses that I wish for her worthless carcass, but to sum it up as nicely as I can, damn her filthy soul for her selfishness and the harm she has caused countless innocent animals, creatures with real genuine feelings.

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