"The Oklahoma 10"

A puppy mill dog auction is a terrible thing to behold. Earlier this month in just one of many auctions held every month in our nation, hundreds of filthy, tick-covered dogs hunched quivering and terrified in soiled metal crates stacked six high as potential buyers walked through for inspection. When the action moved to the auction tent, the miller's little grandchildren showed off each dog, holding up the pregnant ones to display their bulging, flea and tick-ridden bellies.

Who were the buyers? The majority were fellow millers, of course, but this time there were others; undercover and armed with cash, intent on buying as many Frenchies as they could...for very different reasons.

Weeks before the auction, we heard from friends who have had success getting Frenchies out of puppy mills and into our care. These "Rescue Angels" privately raised money over several weeks until they had enough to save some, but not nearly all, of the 43 Frenchies on the block that day. When the harrowing day was over, the Rescuers loaded ten Frenchies into waiting vehicles. Ten dogs: ten lives released from hell. The "Rescue Angels" are working on a video presentation of their experience that day, using footage from a hidden camera disguised as a button on a shirt. We hope many of our supporters will attend Puppymill Awareness Day in Pennsylvania on September 20, 2008, to see the video and join in the effort to educate dog owners and the public about the dirty little secret behind every puppy in the window of their local pet shop.

FBRN does not purchase dogs from auction, and no FBRN funds were used for the auction purchases. But the rescuers knew that if they could secure the dogs, FBRN would step up to do what we do best: rehab and rehome Frenchies in need. With the compassionate help of our friends and supporters, these ten fortunate dogs will be receiving veterinary care and vaccinations, dental care and a nutritious diet, and they will know what it is to be clean and warm and free of parasites, and to sleep on a soft bed, and be touched by gentle hands, and to run in the sun and on the grass.

Each one had a number. Now each one has a name.