♥ My Puppy Mill Puppy, Abigail

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She Has Earned Everything She Has And She Deserves More

This is the story of my Abigail. She is a gorgeous Golden Retriever. I have had her since she was 5 weeks old. She has had every problem a puppy mill puppy can have, and more. But she is the most devoted and loving and perfect best friend anyone could ask for. She is my love.

I may not have her for much longer, Her years are long, but we are making every minute count.

I invite you to get to know my Abigail.

Abigail's Beginnings

We got her from Springfield, Missouri in 1994

My husband Jim and I were on vacation in Missouri and we found a really nice (at least we thought so) place that bought dogs of all breeds from area breeders then they sold to pet stores. All simple enough.

At the time, it wasn't so taboo to buy from a pet store. Now we no longer support pet stores because of the horrible way a lot of them get their animals. Now I am not saying all of them, but certainly enough to cause national up rise against them because of their support of puppy mills.

But anyway, we had gone to this place, out in the country and we walked around among every kind of breed of puppy you would ever hope to meet and there in the middle play area was a little tiny golden red fluffy puppy playing with an adorable little bulldog puppy.

My husband and I must have looked at dozens of puppies, but we kept coming back to that little golden red puppy.

We were told she was a purebred and that she was 5 weeks old. We took her outside and played with her in the grass, it was spring and the dandelions were everywhere, this little puppy ferociously attacked and bit the head of every yellow dandelion she could get to. She walked right into our hearts.

Baby Abigail, Knows She's The One 

This Is Typical of Our Goldens, They Take Us For Walks

Abigail knew she was going to be in control. She took over our hearts and our leash.

Abigail and Popcorn

Abigail was so small she was just a round ball of love. Here she is with a poodle named Popcorn that we once had. Abigail is never timid. She is always anxious to meet new people.

Abigail and Her Daddy in Springfield, Missouri 

“She never doubts that she is a princess...I guess because she is one.”

She already has him wrapped around her little paw 

Abigail and Me while still in Springfield, Missouri 

Abigail and her "brother" Nicholas 

We Got The Word

Our Abigail Wasn't A Princess.

A few weeks later we got word from an animal rights group that the place we bought Abigail from was shut down and that our Abigail's Pedigree papers were fake.

They then offered to euthanize our Abigail as a courtesy for our trouble.

I guess I can't blame them for this calloused attitude considering what they must have seen. But No Way were we losing our Abigail.

For those of you that may not know what a puppy mill is. It is the deplorable place. Despicable people have a bunch of females and they breed them over and over again, they have no life, no freedom, no rest. They just breed. They take the puppies away too soon, they are never socialized or even properly cared for. They are sold to pet stores as purebred with fake pedigrees. The puppies are in bred and kept without love. It is unbelievable.

But our Abigail was now safe and with us and were going to have every advantage. We would never part from her. No matter what. We didn't care about any papers. We had the flesh and blood.

Now we were in for an education.

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The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it's saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources wi

I Created This Blog Because Of My Abigail

I wanted to give something back for dog lovers everywhere.

This is a blog about symptoms in dogs. What do they mean? How can you help? Early detection is what it is all about in being able to impact the health of your beloved pet. Based on my experience of taking care of a senior dog with a puppy mill product beginning, and my paralyzed dog, Isabel, I have a lot of information and experiences to share. As the blog develops, I hope it will prove helpful to its readers.

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Puppy Mills Are Wicked and Cruel

Everyone of them should be shut down !
and the people that run them
should be criminally dealt with.
Period!

Everyone Loves A Golden

Hot-doggin' in Garden pays at Westminster
Jacques is center of attention at Garden in 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as Golden Retriever wins Best in Breed. Over in Ring 2 on Tuesday at the Garden, Jacques the Golden Retriever was talking trash. Well maybe not talking, exactly.
Georgia Inmates Learn From Training Guide Dogs
"We raise labs, Golden Retrievers and standard poodles, we also have a cross between the Labrador and Golden Retriever," said Area Coordinator for Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Dr. Cathy Pittman. James, Rusty, Abbott, Spencer, and Spanky are all ...
Retriever Fighting Dog Days at Miami Airport
By Julia Bagg Fliers in need a little stress reliever at Miami International Airport are finding relaxation now comes in the shape of a golden retriever. 3-year-old Casey is a trained therapy dog and twice a week she'll be walking through the ...
Hero golden retriever praised after dangerous dog attack
Ms Shelley had been speaking with John Palmer as her daughter, Violet, petted golden retriever Dylan at 6pm last Monday. Violet then noticed the other dog, a white Staffordshire bull terrier cross, tied up next to a fence and approached it.

New YouTube vids

GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPY PLAYING!
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Abigail's Problems Begin

We noticed from the beginning that Abigail did not run and play like other puppies. She played like crazy and she was very active. But she did most of her fun on her bottom. And she couldn't climb stairs except one step at a time.

When she was about 4 months old we took her to be checked out and found out she had bilateral hip dysplasia. Such a severe case that they advised us to have bilateral hip surgeries before she had arthritis set in and couldn't be helped. She needed the surgery within the next month or two. Of course it had to be done by a speicalist and it was going to cost about $5,000.

Yikes! What were to do? Get the money of course.

So Abigail had her surgeries. She healed up beautifully and she walks to this day. It was very possible that she would not have been able to walk, or she may have developed a paralysis, even partially so, but not Abi, she is such a trooper.

When you see her walk, she has obvious disabilities. She can tell right away she is not "normal", but she doesn't care. She gets to where she is going. And we don't care either. She is not in pain and she is ambulatory. What else do you need?

You can see in the photo how she is bowlegged in the front. That is one of the symptoms in dogs of dysplasia. She has a massive powerful chest and strong front legs that do all the work of her underdeveloped back legs. The muscles are small in her hind quarters and not strong. She is able to ambulate but she has to really work to pull her back end up when she wants to stand. So she really developed her strong front end.

Flowers for a beautiful girl 

A True Princess Shot..." I'm ready Mr. DeMille"

This group of pictures was when Abigail was well past her surgeries, we haven't found out about her other problems yet, we still have her "brother" Nicholas and life is good.

She was very active and interested in everything. She adjusted so well since her surgeries. She was now able to go for about a half mile walk each day and she really loved romping with Nicholas in the back yard. Everything in Moderation. She would romp and play for a few minutes and then lay down, then in a few minutes she would be off and playing again. She didn't seem to care at all that she was a little limited.

Always Smiling--1997 

Hello, Welcome to my Home 

Such a Sweet Girl, Always Happy! 

Did I say Princess, I'm sure I meant Queen

Living Life Large 

Do You Prefer Puppies or Adult Dogs

If you were going to get a new dog, would you pick a puppy or an adult dog.

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My Precious girl , A little Older Now -2005 

The Rest of the Story

So our baby has grown old.

She will be fifteen years old. March 2009. Over the years she has shown exceptional devotion. And is so attached to me I have to be cautious not to overtax her. We have stairs in our home and she is not good on stairs and now that she is older, we have put baby gaits across the stairs to keep her from unnecessarily using them, just to follow me for a quick trip to the basement.

We never keep her separated from us. If we are downstairs so is she. And when we go up, we help her make it too.

The other problems she has developed include thyroid disease, severe skin issues, constant itching, hair loss and frequently infected ears and now she is deaf.

I should clarify that, she can hear the treat can rattling. hmmmmm, can you say selective hearing.

None of it matters, we are so crazy about our Abigail that it just doesn't matter.

I hope you can see why.

A Good Day  

“She can sure hear the treat can rattling, hmmmm, can you say selective hearing.”

She always has a "baby" in her mouth 

The Most Beautiful Girl in the World and I am Prejudiced 

Some Wonderful Dog lens

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Abigail 2006

Abigail is now 12 years, October 2006. She is slowing down now. We no longer take long walks, On a good day we go several houses down the block, but we can tell she is having more arthritic problems. It doesn't stop her, just slows her down. She is still so happy.

She has been dealing with horrible skin problems, where she itches constantly, licks herself raw and makes sores on herself. I have to bathe her in an anti-itch shampoo and treat her sores and give her Benedryl for the itching.

This problem is one of the most difficult, she has had this since she was 8 or 9 years old.

It must drive her crazy. I do all I can to give her relief.

The best treatment is distraction. So we will go to the park or for a car ride. Unfortunately she has done it for so long, it is more like a nervous habit. She still has this problem today. We deal with it.

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We now live with Our Abigail and our very Special Isabel,

She Just Never Complains, She Loves Everyone

Life is wonderful now that we have our Isabel to fill the empty spot in our life after we lost Nicolas. If you would be interested in meeting our precious paralyzed Isabel, Abigail's "sister" just check out her lens
HERE.

Our Abigail's latest delimma is that she has develped a large cyst on her liver. It is not cancerous but it grows in size and then it can burst, she stops eating, looses energy, becomes very weak and bleeds from bowel and bladder.

We have almost lost her twice from this. The last time was one winter ago. It is touch and go. I hold vigil with her keeping her water bowl full because she drinks and drinks and drinks. The nurse in me recognizes that she is actually giving herself fluid boluses to maintain her blood pressure, which is of course, the number one thing that she needs.

She has managed to stave off death yet again.

We live each day knowing she doesn't have many more. We don't dwell on it. This is a very happy home filled with loving people and animals taking care of each other's needs.

We are all doing our best and living life large.

Abigail sends her love to you all.

Abigail and her "sister" Isabel -2008 

I'm Not Through Yet!! 

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I know you'd hate to lose it.

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Update: August 6, 2009, My Abigail Went to Her Final Resting Place.

We finally lost the battle

My Abigail gave me joy right up to the last minutes of her life. We finally had to give in to the inevitableness of her having to leave me. The last two months have been rather dramatic as to the deterioration of being.

Her hips that started her life as a problem with dysplasia and then surgery when she was a puppy, served her well her whole life. But for the last two months she struggled to be able to walk. It got to the point that I was sling walking her to keep her from falling. But she would still insist on doing as much for herself as she could. She insisted she would be with me, wherever I was, so I had to be careful about going up or down the stairs without blocking them from her access because she would try to follow me and it wasn't right for just the few minutes I would be where ever I had gone.

Then on August 4th, she couldn't stand up, she just looked at me, still the most amazing love in her eyes. I carried her outside so she could do her business, and it was a huge struggle for us both. She didn't eat anything that day, only drank a little bit of water. I spoke to my husband Jim about her and I was already having a broken heart. Jim was worried about me and my reaction to what might be happening, but he told me to listen to Abigail with my heart, to hear what she was telling me.

I wrote the events and my feelings on a post that I made on tagfoot August 7th 2009, the day after her death.

You can view it here as well as the wonderful comments that my dear friends at tagfot had to say for my comfort. It is at times like these that truly wonderful friends are so important. Please do visit, it is important to me, and for you if you have lost a beloved pet or if you are facing the issue yourself.

My heart is broken, It has been one week today that she died. I have cried about it everyday. but it is getting to be less now. I am finally able to think about some fonder memories. I am able to accept comfort from friends and loved ones.

I am going to be okay.

Abigail Shortly Before the End - She and Jacob Were Good Friends

Abigail a Few Days Before Her Death - Having a Peaceful Nap

These Beautiful Angels Blessed Abigail's Lens

Thank You From My Heart

Abigail's Lens was Featured by the Squidoo Marketing Group created by Squid GypsyOwl

Lens Sightings (10-22-2010) Thank you very much!

Lens SightingsDeborah Bryan aka GypsyOwl created a fantastic site to help give Squidoo Lensmaster's additional recognition for their work. She has several GypsyOwl Angels floating around that drops in on different pages and if they see a page that really captures their attention, they are able to feature it on Lens Sightings. You can grab a badge and post it on your page so your guest can see what you have accomplished.

.

Abigail's Lens Received The Honor of The Purple Star

November 29, 2010

Purple Star

Abigails Lens has been awarded the Purple Star! A special honor that we both are so proud of. Thank you Squidoo.

Finalist in the 2010 Lens Sightings Reader's Choice Awards

Please Vote For Abigail If you Find this Lens Worthy

Lens Sightings Finalist 2010
Thanks to Eva (White Oak50) and GypsyOwl, the creator of Lens Sightings, and all the Lens Sightings team for making Abigail's lens a finalist for 2010. This Lens was a true work of my heart and it has pleased me so much to know it has been honored so.



Check here for the winner HERE.

Abigail, Isabel and I Thank You for Reading 

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Please Tell Me What You Think of My Abigail

Especially if you have a Golden Story

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  • Reply
    Rohini Jan 31, 2012 @ 2:48 am | delete
    Abigail has touched my heart and almost moved me to tears.I adopted a puppy last year, and she was also a product of one such puppy mill.Its courageous and so loving on your part to have shared her story.thanks a lot
  • Reply
    JackieSonia Jan 27, 2012 @ 9:35 pm | delete
    They are so precious. Very touching lens. Thanks
  • Reply
    yosefb Jan 24, 2012 @ 8:09 pm | delete
    that is touching!
  • Reply
    jeffn516 Oct 16, 2011 @ 2:06 am | delete
    I have no doubt that she's looking down on you smiling and keeping an ear open for the rattle of the treat jar. Thank you for sharing.
  • Reply
    BrandonSharp Sep 28, 2011 @ 1:05 am | delete
    Abigail is absolutely precious! What a wonderful, loving lens.
  • Reply
    TapIn2U Sep 22, 2011 @ 5:50 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing this. Hugs for you and your Abigail. Sundae ;-)
  • Reply
    WhiteOak50 Sep 17, 2011 @ 7:15 am | delete
    I had to stop by yet again to drop off a *HUGE* spiritual hug to your Abigail and to sprinkle some Angel Dust.
  • Reply
    sandyspider Sep 16, 2011 @ 10:01 am | delete
    Great returning here and reading about your Abigail.
  • Reply
    Michey Sep 15, 2011 @ 10:33 pm | delete
    I like this emotional story and I am sure wasn't easy to write. She was a beautiful dog and happy to have a great home with you and your husband. It is hard to lose a true friend, I know...
  • Reply
    ColorPetGifts Sep 7, 2011 @ 10:25 am | delete
    Just came by to say hello - give a scratch behind the ear :)
  • Reply
    ravenko Sep 6, 2011 @ 8:30 am | delete
    What a great story that Abigail was given a great set of parents...I'm not prepared for that day when I'll have to say good bye to my dog Orca...I'm so sorry for your loss and your right about the puppy mills they should be charged with a criminal offence...
  • Reply
    sousababy Aug 27, 2011 @ 8:19 am | delete
    This is an incredible story of the power of love between two species. May you feel comfort in knowing she is in a better place, waiting for you someday. This certainly has a deserved place on my 'Living Articles on Squidoo' lens and I'll add it straight away. Love always to you and yours, Rose
  • Reply
    Ruthi Jul 23, 2011 @ 4:32 am | delete
    Your love for your Abigail is so apparent throughout her story and photos. It's been a year now that I lost my Scratchy Sunshine and I still tear up thinking of her, every day. But again, I smile, as it was her specialty to bring a smile into my every day.
  • Reply
    serenity4me Jul 3, 2011 @ 10:09 am | delete
    I don't have a golden, but I felt love for my "Baby Girl" just as you did for Abigail. I am sorry for your loss. I completely agree about the puppy mills. I didn't know until recently that Baby Girl had come from what was found to be a puppy mill. She lived 9 years and I am amazed now, that her health appeared to be quite good until that last year (then everything fell apart), she died in a very painful way. This is an excellent lens. Abigail was beautiful. Thank you!
  • Reply
    Retro_Loco Jun 30, 2011 @ 1:02 pm | delete
    I'm drying my eyes right now, too. I can tell from the photos that your Golden Retriever, Abigail, was very beautiful and loving. After reading Abigail's final story, it was a treat seeing the photo of her and your Parrot, Jacob, together -- that one brought a smile to my face!
  • Reply
    A-Redneck May 6, 2011 @ 8:18 am | delete
    I think that you were an angel who blessed Abigail's life. Her story has me sitting here crying. I am so glad that she managed to wander into your world. In another home she just may have been put down. Best wishes.
  • Reply
    Helga Schmitt Apr 17, 2011 @ 5:33 pm | delete
    Your story brought tears to my eyes! I can truly resonate with the kind of bond and love you had with your Abigail...so wonderful you were there for her and helped her live her life to the fullest. Thank you for the wonderful insightful story into the life of Abigail...I noticed the huge smile on her face, love it!!!
  • Reply
    ChrissLJ Apr 4, 2011 @ 11:00 pm | delete
    Abigail was one very special baby. My three year old was also rescued from a MO puppy mill. She came with several thousand dollars worth of health problems, but she's my baby girl and I love her to pieces. I admit to shedding tears when reaching the end and finding Abigail had crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
  • Reply
    skiesgreen Mar 7, 2011 @ 9:34 pm | delete
    Its so sad and I have tears in my eyes reading this story the day after my daughter heartbreak in looking her Yogi, a little pomeranium she had had for 14 years. As I told her they are only with us until the end of their lives and there is no way we can stretch it out. *-*Blessed*-* and featured on Angel blessings for Dogs on Squidoo.
  • Reply
    mukunda22 Feb 21, 2011 @ 7:48 pm | delete
    These dogs steal out hearts forever. ****Blessed****
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nightbear

Abigail was my puppy mill golden retriever rescue baby. We got her in Missouri and we didn't know she was born in a puppy mill. It is a horrible circ... more »

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Saving Gracie: How One Dog Escaped the Shadowy World of American Puppy Mills

Amazon Price: $1.98 (as of 02/15/2012)Buy Now

The Story of saving a puppy mill puppy and how it can have a happy ending.

Symptoms In Dogs 

You should listen to your dog, You never know what they might be telling you.

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