In May of 2000, SGRR did our first puppy mill rescue. Because of the extraordinary efforts of volunteers and generous donations we were able to get eight Goldens and three Labs from a puppy mill auction.

Sandy, Winston, Prince, Princess, Lady, Lucy, Spice, Chance, Toby, Robbie, and Drew now have loving homes instead of being stuck in runs, producing puppies the rest of their lives. That was our first auction experience and we were all very pleased with the results. We’re sure those of you who adopted these dogs would agree that it was a worthy cause.

Well, auction season has started again. Our neighbors in Missouri operate one-third of the nation’s puppy mills and February through November are auction months. During these months there will be numerous Saturday and Sunday auctions where breeders/millers will liquidate their kennels, sell unwanted stock, and buy new breeding stock.

Some of us within SGRR and as well as outside volunteers would like to rescue as many of the Golden Retriever’s as possible. This type of out-of-state rescue takes monumental effort and everyone could do something to help make the rescue runs successful.

Basically, what we need is a team of Minute Men and Women. In Colonial America, the Minute Men were military volunteers who were ready to jump into action at a moments notice. We need the same thing. Some auctions are advertised in advance, some we learn about the night before.

If you are interested in helping us help these dogs, there are numerous ways to do so.

Here are a few:

* Loan your crate for the weekend
* Offer to make phone calls
* Fill someone’s gas tank
* Pay a turnpike toll
* Pack some volunteer sack lunches
* Loan a vehicle that can haul numerous dogs
* Make the trip with a fellow rescuer – you’ll get quite an education
* Meet the group of weary travelers with new SGRR dogs when they get back in town
* Offer to help the vet clinics bathe and brush these dogs – they’re often filthy but very appreciative
* Foster a needy soul

See – there’s something for everyone!

If you’re interested in helping with any of these things, please e-mail adoptions@sgrr.org or leave a message on the Hotline number at 405.749.5700.

There is no task too small and if we all help, no task too big! If you live in Tulsa we can use your help as well!

For more information regarding puppy mills, please go to www.nopuppymills.com.