She often gazes off into space and she needs to be carried outside to do her business – back in, too. She startles easily so I do everything slow and easy when I am around her. She barks and growls, but only out of fear. She is in fact, gentle as a lamb. She is 1-year old. She had a litter somewhere between 6 and 8 months of age. She came with a skin infection. She is beautiful. She is mine. She is a rescued puppy-mill girl.
Fortunately, my new little Boston Terrier girl joined my existing pack, which is a big plus for puppy mill dogs. Mine have all embraced her – even my somewhat cantankerous older girl – and they seem intent on “showing her the ropes.” She is getting it. Here a week and not a single mistake! In fact, she has a very clear, albeit unique, method of communication – she paces back and forth in a small area with no apparent purpose until I have an aha moment, scoop her up, and sure enough – instant poop and pee, outside, of course.
Puppy mill dogs are different from other dogs because their lives are limited to small, wire cages where they eat, sleep, poop and pee. They get little, if any, attention, and they are bred, machine-like, so the breeders can get as much out of them, and make as much money, as possible. I am sad to say that many of these breeders are Amish, who have a different view on the role of animals in life.
I was “lucky,” if luck is the word. My Finja was taken off the assembly line because of the skin infection, that still plagues her. I am also lucky, because unlike many puppy mill dogs who lack human contact of substance, my Finny is the first to snuggle against me whenever I sit. My third lucky is that Finny came to me from a skilled and exceptionally loving foster Mom who worked wonders in the short 6 weeks Finny was with her. But still, there is much work to be done, requiring patience, consistency, and oodles of love and affection. All I know is, I am lucky for all this precious creature is about to teach me.
madmuser 
Thank you for sharing how special, challenging, but oh so worth it, mill dogs can be. I am the devoted “mom” to two Bostons both adopted from the same amazing foster mom, Connie McGraw, as you. I have learned so much about what devestation can be done to these guys and what patience it takes to teach them how to be dogs again. The best thing I did was to adopt a second dog to aid in those lessons for my first dog. He still has “issues” and may always have some, but he has made huge strides and I am even getting heart melting kisses from him. And yes, the learning and the watching their mental growth and health is a wonderful blessing I am so enjoying.
Linda – I so appreciate your kind words and sharing of your own story. Finja is our second puppy mill dog — our Timmy passed away two years ago and it was devastating. He was a funny, quirky little guy whom we grew to adore. Conny is indeed a special person and has such a magical way with all dogs. Perhaps we can meet up some day to share our stories in person. Again — thanks for your heartwarming share.