From Cages to Couches – RedRover Responders in Missouri

By Devon Krusko, Field Services and Community Programs Manager

Growing up I loved going to the mall. This was before online shopping of course, and my family, my friends, and I spent hours of purposeful and planned time diligently shopping the stores, eating our meals at the beloved food court, and visiting the puppies in the window – oh, the puppies! Small, fluffy, and all different breeds of tiny babies filled the windows with payment plans and claims that they were raised with love by the Johnson family in a state I’d never been.

It’s believed that about half of all pets are adopted from an animal shelter or rescue group. The rest are acquired through private-rehoming, hobby breeders, or commercial breeders. It’s estimated that just about 170,000 breeding dogs live in commercial breeding facilities.These operations typically sell their dogs to brokers or pet stores, which is what a USDA license is for, and are minimally regulated with low standards of care.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the breeding dogs when the owner of a facility can no longer care for them, or is retiring, or has become overwhelmed, organizations like the National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR), step in to assist. NMDR focuses on building trust and relationships with breeders so that there is an alternative option for placement when needed. Breeders or agencies may contact them when they can no longer care for the dogs, and a plan is made to find rescue partners and new homes.

In June, a large-scale facility was shut down and our RedRover Responders team was asked to partner with NMDR to provide daily care for over 100 small breed dogs like Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Affonpinschers, King Charles Cavaliers, and more. They filled NMDR’s facility in Missouri with their tiny adorable barks, and their wonder and awe playing with toys for the first time and snuggling into fleece blankets. Our team spent our days making breakfast, cleaning enclosures, and supervising playgroups for our tiny friends. It was constant laundry, poop scooping, and lots of love as we watched the dogs blossom every day – what an experience to play a small role in their next chapter! We’re incredibly grateful for the work of NMDR and we were thrilled to partner with them for the first time. If you’re looking to adopt your very own pup, you may consider planning a trip to NMDR’s adoption facility in Colorado to meet your new best friend. We’re sure you’ll fall in love! ♥️