Incredible and so touching

THE ISSUE: A local puppy mill
OUR STANCE: One of the greatest outpourings witnessed in a long time

Discovery of a puppy mill west of Shawnee this past week led to one of the most incredible outpourings by people we have witnessed in a long time.
More than 100 dogs were rescued by the Tri-County Humane Society and within 24 hours people from Shawnee and throughout the area were clamoring to see how they could help. By nightfall Wednesday, more than a ton of dog food had been donated, nearly $400 in cash contributions had been received, and veterinarians and others were stepping in to see how they might assist.
We’ve been with this newspaper more than 42 years, and this is the first pet adoption fair sponsored by The Shawnee News-Star. Labeled Project K-9, people from as far away as Tulsa, Blanchard and Yukon actually came and picked up dogs. Others from as far away as Vancouver, British Columbia and Des Moines, Iowa inquired about the dogs as they drew not only local and state media attention but national and international as well.
Calls also came from Ponca City and Sapulpa, who had seen news accounts and obtained directions, thinking they might travel here and adopt one or more of these cute canines, but they turned back after learning that most were already spoken for and adopted.
People love their pets and frequently they seem willing to go to most any length to help out. Most of those adopted during Project K-9 this past week went to people outside of Shawnee. While there was little trouble in finding homes for these dogs, there was just as much interest from those wanting to provide dog food, cash donations and help in most any way they could.
Although it’s sad these dogs had to be rescued, the owner of them was willing to release them because that person no longer could adequately care for so many animals. Other people also reportedly helped provide food for the dogs before Monday’s rescue by the Humane Society began.
This puppy mill is unlike many, though, where conditions are so horrendous because owners are intent only on making a profit at the expense of the helpless pets. Those are the kind which state legislators should turn their attention to and target with tougher laws and arm local and county government officials with whatever they need to ensure these types of conditions are eliminated.
We think all of those people and local businesses who provided dog food, cash contributions, the veterinarians who offered their services, and the ones who stepped up and adopted dogs should be commended. This put Shawnee on the map again, but this time it had a positive outcome and ending.