Teddy is Harley’s best buddy and he is also a spokesdog against puppy mills. Harley and Teddy travel in the Midwest together to save dogs from puppy mills. This is Teddy’s story:
Teddy was born and raised in a Kansas puppy mill, where he lived for 7 years as a breeding dog to produce pet store puppies. He was rescued along with Gwinnie (his soulmate) by National Mill Dog Rescue in August, 2012 and the two were adopted together that September.
At the time of rescue, both dogs were very scared and unsocialized. Teddy was extremely thin, had eye ulcers and rotting teeth, a very typical condition of dogs from puppy mills. Gwinnie was very thin, suffering from pyometra and hernias. Teddy has scars on the top of his nose and small chunks missing from both of his ears. Not knowing what he endured at the puppy mill, we can only guess as to the cause, possibly cage fights or frostbite. He also runs crookedly because one hip is shorter than the other, but it doesn’t slow him down.
As with any puppy mill dog, after adoption Teddy continues to make daily progress in learning about life outside the cage. All the experiences that a typical dog learns as a puppy are all brand new to him. He has learned about the outdoors, trust, belly rubs, stairs, drinking from a bowl (rather than a lick-it water bottle), leashes, doorways, mirrors, treats, and love. He shares his experiences about learning of life outside the cage through his posts and videos, hoping to inspire others with the fact that rescue dogs can learn and can love, even if they are senior dogs. His bond with his Mom is amazing to see. For him, life began at 7, when he was rescued and adopted.
Shortly after being rescued, Teddy’s mom started a Facebook page for him in hopes of using it to share his stories for others to learn from, and to spread awareness about puppy mills. The unfortunate reality is that the general public doesn’t understand that if they buy a puppy in a pet store or over the internet, they are supporting puppy mills. Most pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills. Unfortunately, people also don’t understand that the commercial breeding of dogs (puppy mills) is legal in this country and that we all have to work together to educate the public and effect change. The general rule to follow is that if you can’t see the mother dog and how she is living, don’t buy the puppy. It’s really as simple as that.
When Harley conceived his campaign, ‘Harley to the Rescue’, Teddy knew that this was a way he could help make a difference and support his best buddy. Teddy is not only the ‘team driver’ for Harley but supports and helps spread awareness of the campaign through many actions.
Follow Teddy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.