When rescuers from the Humane Society of the United States found B.B., she was tiny, afraid, and obviously mistreated. The small dog was owned by a puppy mill and had been used as a breeding machine for most of her life.
A metal cage in the corner of a dark, dirty basement with no ventilation was the only home she ever knew.
After gaining the dog’s trust, HSUS rescuers pulled her out of the cage. B.B. was timid and shy, but she allowed her rescuer to carry her out of the basement that had been her prison. When she finally made it outside, the small dog cowered and squinted against the bright light. It was likely the first time she had seen the sun.
B.B. was then taken to Cabarrus Animal Hospital where she received the medical care she needed. That’s where Brenda Tortoreo first saw her. Tortoreo worked as a receptionist at the clinic and was instantly drawn the sad-looking rescue dog. After a bath and days of recuperation, Tortoreo decided to give B.B. the chance at life she always deserved.
B.B. now lives with Tortoreo and her two other dogs, but the transition wasn’t always easy. The former puppy mill dog had never lived in a house before. Unaccustomed to having room to roam, the little dog would spend time simply walking in small circles as if she was still in her cage. She was afraid of rugs and didn’t like crossing borders from one room to another. She saw grass in her backyard for the first time, but the strange sight was scary and new.
The only relief she found was with her stuffed animals. She carried the small plush toys with her and licked them constantly. After a life of giving birth and caring for newborn puppies, it was something she was used to doing.
As weeks passed, B.B. gradually grew more comfortable. She explored the backyard despite the scary grass and started playing with her canine siblings. She grew more attached to Tortoreo, and the pair formed a strong bond. The process was slow, but B.B. finally put the basement behind her.
Today, B.B. is loving her new life. She runs and plays and spends time with her new owner. She may never truly heal from the horrors she endured at the puppy mill, but she’s not letting her past stop her from enjoying her bright future.
HSUS pulled 150 other animals out of the puppy mill that had B.B. There were other dogs, cats, and goats, and they were all skinny, scared, and mistreated. The illegal breeding operation was shut down, but there are countless others. Visit HSUS online to learn how you can help.
Featured Image Source: Facebook/HSUS-Puppy Mills Campaign
Toledo, United States.
