My husband and I adopted a poodle that had been rescued from a raided puppy mill in Charlotte. Having a young dog and two cats, we decided we needed to give back to the world.

At the beginning of the year, after searching for an old dog, we found a little dog that had been so badly treated the animal control group thought she would have to be euthanized.

Pooly was indeed in terrible condition, but after months and months of tender loving care from our vet (Dan Nordland and his team) and from us, she is now in good condition.

She will always be a fragile wee dog, but she is a true love, wagging her tail every minute of the day.

Many people have no information about puppy mills, some of which are close to home here in Moore County. I am amazed when I introduce my little poodle to people and tell them her story. First they are dismayed, then angry. They admit they were clueless that these kinds of mills exist.

Since the gift-giving season is coming up, I thought it would be timely to spread the word about puppy mills.

Annie Hallinan-Jones

Southern Pines