Polly spent her first years in a cage not even big enough for her to move around. But thanks to the tireless work of local rescue organizations and the boundless love of her adopter, she’s now living her best life.
I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Polly and other former puppy mill dogs like her this past summer. They were all participants in The Mill Dog Project – a collection of videos and photos that tell the stories of these very special animals. In sharing how resilient and brave these pups are, I hope to raise awareness about mills and mill dogs, helping future pet parents not to overlook the life-changing experience that is having a mill dog in your life.
Polly is a 6 year-old Blenheim Cavalier. She spent five of those six years in a mill, giving birth to “pedigree” puppies. But thanks to Pound Dog Rescue, Polly made it out and found an incredible home. Gradually she’s come out of her shell and loves life with her human and her new brother Almond, another cavalier.
About Mill Dog Stories: Sad, dirty faces in packed cages. That’s what you think of when you hear about puppy mills, maybe with some Sarah McLaughlin playing in the background, right?
Well, this series of stories about former puppy mill dogs asks you to look beyond their difficult beginnings to the incredible, resilient dogs that they’ve become.
In sharing their stories of strength and survival, I hope that you consider a mill rescue for your next dog – they will absolutely change your life.
