Criminal Minds is an excellent program. The actors are stellar and most of the plots are well constructed with many surprise twists and unexpected resolutions. But my favorite aspect of the show is the monologues. Bits at the beginning, middle and end, the narration is poignant and often provides the connective link in an intelligent manner. Today, the episode began with, "Shakespeare said, 'Love all, trust a few and do harm to none'."
This struck me right between the eyes as I am currently trying to reconcile myself to the recent realization that I have a haunting connection to May Poon, the individual charged for running a puppy mill in West Edmonton, discovered April 1, 2009. I recall, very clearly, the sinking feeling I got when reading the articles and watching updates on the news. The address was suspiciously near the home of the breeder from whom we purchased 5 of our dogs. But as no names were forthcoming and an exact address was not provided, I attempted to put my doubts to bed.
Today, I received a call from an acquaintance made during the kids' dancing days, who informed me that both she and I had dogs from the infamous Edmonton Puppy Mill. My head started swimming and that familiar sinking feeling permeated throughout my gut. My suspicions had been correct. The offender's name was released in the Edmonton Journal today and my friend's husband pointed out the sad facts, in writing, to her. Knowing she had provided May's contact information to me when I had expressed our family's desire to get a dog like her sweet-natured red toy poodle, Shadow, she called me up to share the horrifying news.
Sadly, it all makes sense now. The long and sorrowful tale of our experience is too fresh, although more than 2 yrs past, to recall at this time. Suffice it to say, Roady remains close to me in his urn on my library chest. I know he understands that we did everything within our power to save both he and his sister. Olivia is still with us today after an entire year of nursing her back to health. Both puppies came to us with a terrible case of Parvo Virus. It took us over 18 months to receive our refund for Roady and there was no offer to help pay the $4,800.00 charge that went on our Master Card.
For now, I look at Sadie, Tucker, William and Olivia with new-found gratitude. Having known them and loved them, I wouldn't have wanted a life without them. I am comforted with the knowledge that, because we brought them home at 6 and 7 wks old (not my professional recommendation as a dog trainer!), they were spared the horrible treatment received by less fortunate animals that remained in her care for a lengthier time. My heart aches deeply for the breeder dogs who spend years, perhaps, living in cramped quarters with minimal care and attention. This behavior is criminal without doubt.
If you would like to learn more about this particular case of animal cruelty that occurred under our very noses, go to edmontonjournal.com and search May Poon. She will appear before the court in late October 2009 to face 8 charges of animal cruelty which could potentially carry a fine of $20,000.00 per charge. The court is also expected to restrict her from every owning another animal.
The MOST EXCELLENT NEWS OF ALL... each of the dogs seized from the puppy mill have since been treated for all their medical issues, spayed or neutered, rehabilitated and adopted out to loving families.
To say I feel duped is an understatement. I am, one minute, berating myself for trusting one person too many and the next, thanking the good Lord that we, although inadvertently, were able to rescue 4 precious little creatures from a dreary existence.
My parting words on this topic? Go, and do harm to none.
