We constantly hear urgent pleas from various organizations about the growing number of endangered animals and overcrowded shelters. Despite these warnings, some people continue to treat their pets cruelly, and this is one of the most heartbreaking examples. Sadly, this neglect can reach more extreme levels, as shown by the actions of those who breed dogs solely for profit. When money takes precedence over the love and well-being these animals deserve, the results can be tragic. That is why it is so important to adopt and not shop.
This was exactly the case recently when a group of rescuers discovered three shivering puppies outside the Paterson shelter. Their story serves as a powerful lesson for all of us. On March 22, 2024, Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI), a rescue organization based in Oakland, New Jersey, made a distressing announcement on their Facebook page:
“‼️ Urgent Rescue in Progress ‼️ Sick puppies dumped outside Paterson shelter!” The post revealed that the three tiny pups were found in terrible condition—cold, sick, and severely malnourished.
The rescuers suspected that the puppies were a “micro breed of Boston terrier.” They estimated the puppies to be around eight weeks old and all male. There was no sign of their mother or any other puppies, and no information was available about their origins.
Without wasting any time, the dedicated rescuers rushed the puppies to a veterinary hospital to get them the critical care they needed. Later that day, after bringing the puppies to the hospital, the rescue organization posted another update on Facebook. Thankfully, this time, the news was more positive.
“The three tiny micro-Boston pups abandoned outside in the cold are now stable and receiving the medical care that had been so neglected,” they wrote. The rescuers named the puppies Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. All three were severely malnourished, with pot bellies, and suffering from an upper respiratory illness.
It soon became clear to the rescuers that these puppies were the unfortunate products of microbreeding by people seeking profit. The puppies’ poor health likely led to them being abandoned on the street. “In the world of backyard breeding, you can’t sell a sick dog,” they explained.
Determined to give these little ones a chance at a better life, the rescuers provided them with the necessary medications, tender loving care, and high-quality food. Soon, the puppies were well enough to be moved to a medical foster home, where they could continue to recover and receive the attention they deserved. Surrounded by love, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore began to thrive.
“Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are finally being doted on as precious lives instead of a rejected commodity,” RBARI wrote. The puppies were on the path to recovery, thanks to the unwavering dedication of their caregivers.
“All three pups are spunky, running around, wrestling, and playing hide and seek one minute—then snuggling and giving love the next,” RBARI shared in a later Facebook post. However, just when it seemed like all three puppies were on the road to a happy ending, tragedy struck.
“Yesterday, Alvin, one of the three puppies we recently rescued, passed away,” RBARI wrote in a heartbreaking update on April 1, 2024. Alvin had come to them with a severe cleft palate, congenital hydrocephalus, and other defects that affected his neurological function—all consequences of irresponsible breeding practices.
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While Alvin’s passing was devastating, his caretakers chose to share his story to raise awareness about the dangers of unethical breeding. Their goal wasn’t just to mourn but to save future puppies from a similar fate.
This story encourages all of us to reflect on our choices: is it worth a few extra dollars in our pockets, or is it better to have a heart filled with the joy of saving a life? Let’s choose compassion and help ensure that no more puppies suffer like Alvin.
Please promote the importance of adopting a pet from a shelter rather than buying one from a breeder. Dogs should never be born to make a profit!
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