Colorado Puppy Mill Rescue Founder Named a “Hero Among Us” in People Magazine

Nov. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- Theresa, a pediatric oncology nurse, wife, mother and dog lover, started the non-profit organization in 2007 after witnessing in person a large-scale puppy mill. She returned home from this life-changing experience with 13 puppy mill survivors, right away knowing that she would devote all of her future rescue efforts to putting an end to this cruelty.  Since then she has passionately led her organization to rescue nearly 7,000 dogs from commercial breeding facilities across the country.

Theresa Strader had this to say about being chosen, “I am very proud of this recognition and to be acknowledged amongst the many remarkable people who have received this title in the past, is truly an honor. As I’ve said many times, National Mill Dog Rescue is the story of a thousand heroes, all of the volunteers who work tirelessly every day to carry out the many responsibilities that keep our mission alive and well and keep our dogs safe and warm. Never could I have imagined where we would come in such a short time and I accept this honor on behalf of our entire organization, all the dogs we’ve rescued and most especially, for all those that are still waiting."

Theresa hopes her profile in People Magazine will help spread awareness about the cruel reality of puppy mills and the desperate need for change in the commercial dog breeding industry. Her greatest hope is that people will ultimately choose to adopt from shelters and rescue groups where wonderful furry friends sit, many waiting hopelessly for a place to call home.

National Mill Dog Rescue is a Colorado Springs based 501(c)(3) organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes discarded commercial breeding dogs from puppy mills.  NMDR relies on over fourteen hundred volunteers to care for the dogs, from the moment they are surrendered to the time they are adopted and beyond.  We depend on the generosity of the public to provide the high level of care we do for our dogs and to continue to be able to save them.  

National Mill Dog Rescue started with a single sentence in an e-mail that Theresa Strader received: “50 Italian Greyhounds in need.”  A large-scale breeding operation, or ‘puppy mill’ was going out of business and all 561 dogs were going to auction.  One of those dogs was a seven-year-old Italian Greyhound named Lily.  The moment their eyes met through the wire of Lily’s tiny cage, Theresa knew her life had changed forever and that this new life would include Lily and a mission to bring about lasting change.

In honor of Lily, National Mill Dog Rescue was established in February 2007 to give a voice to mill dogs across the country.  Since then, NMDR has rescued almost 7,000 puppy mill survivors, all the while maintaining a strict no-kill policy. Every single dog that comes through the doors is spayed or neutered and given whatever additional medical care they need - without exception.  They are groomed, many of them for the very first time.  Years of filth and matted fur are removed, allowing the beautiful dog underneath to shine.  Soon they learn about all the simple pleasures that they had never previously known – clean water, toys and treats, a soft bed, and most importantly, the love of a human companion.

Website: http://milldogrescue.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nationalmilldogrescue