At Max’s Ark Rescue, we often receive calls from people who are desperate, unable to afford veterinary care for their sick dog, and wanting to surrender them to us. But more often than not, when we arrive to pick up the dog, there are three or four more dogs waiting to be handed over. We know these are the practices of backyard breeders, yet the people we meet are never the ones responsible. The breeders send someone else, hiding in the shadows because they fear being judged or reported by rescues like ours.
It’s a painful truth, but reporting them doesn’t always bring justice. At best, they might face a fine, but they’ll just move their operation elsewhere, and the cycle of cruelty will continue. The real victims are the dogs. If we push too hard, the breeders may choose to let a sick or too-old dog starve in a crate rather than risk being exposed. When a backyard breeder or puppy mill decides to discard a mother dog, they will do so, no matter the cost.
One rescue story haunts us. In 2020, we saved a female dog who had just had her last litter. She was still bleeding, and tragically, her puppies had starved to death because she couldn’t produce milk. Watching her, it’s clear something is deeply wrong. She reminds us of a mentally challenged child—lost and unable to cope. When left alone, she paces frantically in her pen, panting, lying down to rest, only to start pacing again. She’s finally learning to respond to the word “stop,” but her eyes remain vacant, unfocused, despite all the stimuli we offer her.
How did we reach a point where such cruelty is so common? It’s beyond frustrating to witness, especially knowing that people still buy dogs from pet stores or online, fueling this industry of suffering. The cycle continues because too many people are unaware of the reality behind the cute puppies in the shop windows.
How did we reach a point where such cruelty is so common?
Education is where we can make a difference. Adults might be set in their ways, but children—the next generation—can learn compassion and empathy. How we treat animals is a reflection of our humanity. The way we treat our elders is how our children will treat us. The same goes for animals; if we show kindness, they will grow into compassionate adults. If we’re indifferent, they may grow up to be selfish and lacking in empathy.
At Max’s Ark, we’re committed to starting this education as soon as it’s safe to do so. We want to teach our communities, especially the children, about the importance of treating animals with respect and care. They are the future, and it’s up to us to guide them in the right direction. Let’s work together to build a more compassionate world, one child at a time.
Please consider donating to Max’s Ark Rescue so we can continue our mission
