PEYTON, Colo. — A non-profit in Peyton, Colorado is celebrating a major milestone.
National Mill Dog Rescue turned 10 years old in February and they celebrated the way they always do, by rescuing dozens of dogs from puppy mills throughout the midwest.
Theresa Strader founded the organization. Over the years she’s been able to convince about 200 commercial breeders across the country to call her when they have dogs they no longer want.
“Without us they would have no future. Once their productivity is done they’re usually killed at that point,” Strader said.
About 90 percent of National Mill Dog Rescue’s staff is volunteers.
When the phone rings, Strader and her team of volunteers pack their bags and hit the highway, often traveling thousands of miles to states like Arkansas and Missouri where puppy mils are abundant. However, she knows she can’t save them all.
“When we leave a place and we leave maybe 50 to 100, 500 dogs behind, it’s hard. I just look at them and say we’ll be back for them,” Strader said.
National Mill Dog Rescue has saved more than 11,000 dogs over the past 10 years.
A little poodle now living in Denver is one of them.
source
