It’s Twinkle’s Week
Tomorrow sees the publication of ‘Saving One More’, the sequel to ‘Saving Susie-Belle’ which I hope will make a significant contribution to pushing a greater level of awareness of what the world of commercially driven puppy breeding entails for dogs around the world. The book covers a lot of ground but it’s ultimately a celebration of the life that Twinkle and Susie-Belle now share with us. But, more than this, I hope it pays tribute to all dogs everywhere who should never have to live as they did. When Marc Abraham kindly agreed to write the foreword for it, I first felt honoured, but this was quickly followed by panic, as it focused my mind sharply on getting it written and published in time for this weekend’s major event, Pup Aid, as there cannot be a better place to celebrate Twinkle & Susie-Belle’s lives.
Well I managed it, with the help and support of a lot of people, some who we met at last year’s Pup Aid, and whose stories I include, like the beautiful Violet, a breeding dog dumped on the streets but now safe and happy and a poster girl no less…
Although the book is a personal account of how we share our lives with our dogs, the joys and challenges that Twinkle in particular has brought with her, I also wanted to include stories of other dogs as well as the people who are making a difference in the world in various ways. So as well as our story, within the pages readers will get to meet dogs like Tilly, whose relationship with Angie has a special significance. And Lucy, who through Lisa’s relentless efforts has a Facebook following that rivals the biggest of stars (well ok, perhaps I exaggerate a little), raising awareness along the way. Then there’s the dogs, survivors of breeding misery whose stories just needed telling, like Dolly, Heidi, Tilly and Lila all from the stereotypical puppy farm environment; and George and Daisy, not from a puppy farm, but a kennelled place of neglect as I want readers to know that the misery inflicted on dogs in the breeding industry has many faces and multiple sources.
The stories include some of the puppies themselves who are born into a world that’s far from kind. Like Muddy, whose story stands as an example of how even experienced buyers can be duped by the unscrupulous. From America, in Lola’s story readers will see how her short life has spread a web of influence way beyond what we might imagine one tiny dog could achieve.
Photo courtesy of Karen Doonan and Sandra Rouse
The dogs’ stories get told because they get out. They’re rescued by the kind of people whose strength to go into these places again and again, I can only imagine. I hope I do justice to the work of all rescuers who wish to see an end to this industry. Through sharing first-hand accounts, readers might understand the demons that haunt Twinkle which I write about throughout the book. Readers will find Debra Tranter’s words reveal why her organisation, Oscar’s Law will never give up the fight to end puppy factories in Australia. The book takes a global look at the industry and accounts of rescue work in the US by Terri of Safehaven Small Breed Rescue and Mindi of Bailing Out Benji and veterinary care given by Tracey in the UK and the kind of problems rescued dogs live with provided by Stop Puppy Farming End the Cruelty illustrate why the universal nature of the business and suffering must be addressed.
So, in a week that the world gets to meet Twinkle in all her flawed, damaged beauty, how she’s the result of an industry that damages millions of dogs just like her, and read how she keeps me from ever feeling complacent about life, I’ll leave you with this unique tribute to Twinkle that artist, Annabel Wilson has generously produced.
Watch on Youtube: Annabel’s Portrait of Twinkle
Twinkle spent years unloved in a puppy farm being forced to produce puppies for the industry. Now she’s free, loved and living her life. Most dogs don’t survive. Don’t close your eyes to puppy farming (by Annabel Wilson)
