Episode 72. How a Puppy Mill Dog Forever Changed Jo Anna Kloster’s Life

What is life like with a rescued puppy mill dog?  And is there anything we can do to stop puppy mills?  These are the questions we explore today with Dog Mom and Advocate Jo Anna Kloster, author of Lily Unleashed.

Jo Anna shares with us the story of how Cagney, her first rescued puppy mill dog, changed her life and gave her passion and purpose.  Jo Anna also shares all that she’s learned about the inner workings of puppy mills, pet stores and the laws that aren’t being enforced.

Jo Anna’s passion and career as a teacher led her to writing Lily Unleashed, an inspiring & uplifting book for all ages that tells the story of how a rescued puppy mill dog inspires an insecure 6th grader to speak up and take a stand for what’s right.

We’re also joined today by Megan, a young lady who just completed 6th grade, who gives us her book review of Lily Unleashed and what she thinks about puppy mills.

The good news is that more Congressional leaders than ever are sponsoring new laws – Goldie’s Act and the Puppy Mill Protection Act – which all of us can support with emails and phone calls. It’s important that our lawmakers know that voters and taxpayers are paying attention!

Check the Show Notes for quick links to take action and support these laws today!

Jo Anna & I discuss:

  • Jo Anna’s childhood experiences with animals;

  • Her meandering career path that led her to teaching;

  • How Cagney found Jo Anna and the behaviors he struggled with;

  • What Jo Anna learned about puppy mills;

  • How Jo Anna’s book came to be;

  • What is a dog auction?;

  • Life with a puppy mill dog;

  • How to make sure you aren’t buying a puppy mill dog;

  • Laws that aren’t being enforced which allow puppy mills to treat dogs poorly;

  • What all of us pet owners and voters can do to help dogs in puppy mills;

  • How the plot of Lily Unleashed evolved;

  • Jo Anna’s advocacy work to end puppy mills

Where to find Jo Anna:

Links Discussed:

Take Action:

Find your legislators:

https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/?address=

The proposed laws:

1. Puppy Mill Protection Act (HR 1624) is about raising standards at puppy mills. This bill is now in the House of Representatives in Washington, DC.  

2. Goldie's Act  H.R. 6100  (part of the Federal FARM BILL) is about enforcing standards, issuing violations, and if needed confiscating sick animals as an intervention of care at puppy mills.   H.R. 6100 strengthens USDA enforcement of the federal humane standards of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and stronger punishment of bad breeders. This bill requires more inspections of puppy mills and it also requires USDA to use lifesaving intervention (confiscation) for sick and dying animals. The bill would amend the AWA to require the USDA enforce strengthened regulations set forth in this proposed bill (HR 6100).

Call your Congressperson:

You can leave a message after hours. “My name is [your name] and I’m a voting constituent in [your city and state]. I am calling to urge Representative ________ to cosponsor H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act. This bill will protect the welfare of dogs and consumers by requiring increased standards of care for dogs in USDA-licensed facilities. I urge Rep. ______ to cosponsor this legislation as soon as possible. Thank you."

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