Dreamy Puppy was a pet and supply store in Chantilly, Virginia known for selling a wide selection of young dogs. Dreamy Puppy’s website claims that it sold the “healthiest puppies in the nation.” Despite its convincing online claims, many of its customers purchased dogs that ended up having severe health conditions. In certain instances, some customers ended up paying veterinarian bills more expensive than the puppies themselves. Unfortunately, Dreamy Puppy did not get its puppies from small, local breeders, but from various puppy mills in Arkansas and Missouri. Just what is a puppy mill? It is an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane. Puppy mills focus mainly on profit rather than the health of their dogs. Buying puppies from Dreamy Puppy supports the improper treatment of dogs in these mills.

We were all relieved to hear that Dreamy Puppy was shut down after rumored reports about its illegal distribution of puppies. On Monday, November 23, 2015, Fairfax County police raided the store. The officers began an ongoing investigation regarding the unsafe practices of the suspected puppy mill outlet. Animal control officers then took 40-50 puppies to the vet to be examined to see if they were old enough and/or healthy enough to be sold legally. All pet stores in Virginia require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old before they can be sold. Dreamy Puppy customers have reported their dogs’ abandonment issues. These issues are common when puppies are taken from their families if they are too young, so this suggests that Dreamy Puppy was selling puppies illegally, under the age of 8 weeks. The disreputable pet store refused to disclose information about the source of the puppies and had a no-refund and no-return policy.

Sophomore Peggy O’Neil expressed her thoughts about the situation.

“Being the daughter of someone who owns a pet care business and having two dogs myself, I hate puppy mills,” said O’Neil.

O’Neil completely disagrees with the treatment of the dogs in these harmful environments and it makes her sad to hear that Dreamy Puppy does not discourage the cruel treatment of these animals. She proceeded to say that she’s glad Dreamy Puppy is being shut down, for a pet store should not be supporting the operations of puppy mills.

In order to preserve the well-being of puppies, it is important to boycott all pet stores that get their dogs from puppy mills. In order to be aware, always ask where your pets are coming from. A great way to help animals is to consider purchasing pets from rescue organizations and adoption centers within the community.