When Puppies Are ‘Defective’: The Reality Behind Breeding for Profit

Breeders often have one primary goal: to maximize profit by selling puppies. Unfortunately, when a litter includes puppies with health issues or “defects,” these little ones are often seen as financial liabilities rather than living beings deserving of care. In many cases, breeders might choose to euthanize these puppies or “dump” them, leaving them at the mercy of shelters or rescue organizations like Max’s Ark Rescue.

This is precisely how Tom and Jeri, two Maltese puppies and litter mates, came into our care at six weeks old. Born with eye problems, they were diagnosed with glaucoma at just eight weeks, a condition likely inherited from their parents. Because of their condition, the breeder decided they were not worth keeping—after all, they couldn’t fetch top dollar on the market. For backyard breeders and puppy mills, the bottom line is profit, and puppies like Tom and Jeri, who require special care, simply don’t fit into their business model.

When Tom and Jeri arrived at Max’s Ark Rescue, our first priority was to get them the medical attention they needed. After a thorough examination by our trusted veterinarian, we learned that there was no effective treatment to save their eyes.

The only option was to remove the affected eyes through a procedure known as enucleation. Each puppy had one eye removed, a procedure that would allow them to live pain-free and healthy lives.

The recovery process was not easy, but Tom and Jeri proved to be resilient. With time, they healed and began to thrive, transforming into happy, energetic puppies.

Their story didn’t end there, though. Because they had been through so much together and were deeply bonded, we knew they needed to stay together. Fortunately, we found a wonderful couple who understood their special needs and were eager to provide them with a loving, forever home. At Max’s Ark, we count our blessings! ♥

Just wanted to let you know that puppies are doing amazing and they are such an integral part of our family but I can’t imagine our life without them!!

Please consider donating to Max’s Ark Rescue so we can continue our mission

Are You Ready To Make A Difference In The Lives Of Our Rescues?

Every donation makes a difference in the lives of animals in need. Click on the new link to our non-profit platform, Ziffy, used by over 25,000 501-3(c) charity organizations. Your donation directly helps the 21 rescues currently in our foster care.

div#stuning-header .dfd-stuning-header-bg-container {background-image: url(https://maxsarkrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/RescueStory-Header.jpg);background-size: cover;background-position: top center;background-attachment: initial;background-repeat: initial;}#stuning-header div.page-title-inner {min-height: 210px;}#main-content .dfd-content-wrap {margin: 0px;} #main-content .dfd-content-wrap > article {padding: 0px;}@media only screen and (min-width: 1101px) {#layout.dfd-portfolio-loop > .row.full-width > .blog-section.no-sidebars,#layout.dfd-gallery-loop > .row.full-width > .blog-section.no-sidebars {padding: 0 0px;}#layout.dfd-portfolio-loop > .row.full-width > .blog-section.no-sidebars > #main-content > .dfd-content-wrap:first-child,#layout.dfd-gallery-loop > .row.full-width > .blog-section.no-sidebars > #main-content > .dfd-content-wrap:first-child {border-top: 0px solid transparent; border-bottom: 0px solid transparent;}#layout.dfd-portfolio-loop > .row.full-width #right-sidebar,#layout.dfd-gallery-loop > .row.full-width #right-sidebar {padding-top: 0px;padding-bottom: 0px;}#layout.dfd-portfolio-loop > .row.full-width > .blog-section.no-sidebars .sort-panel,#layout.dfd-gallery-loop > .row.full-width > .blog-section.no-sidebars .sort-panel {margin-left: -0px;margin-right: -0px;}}#layout .dfd-content-wrap.layout-side-image,#layout > .row.full-width .dfd-content-wrap.layout-side-image {margin-left: 0;margin-right: 0;}