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"The Puppy Mill Capital of America". Who would have thought the beautiful Ozarks could have such an awful reputation? Unfortunately it's an accurate title. In the past few months, the Ozarks have been at the center of the puppy mill problem. While animal lovers gasp in horror, we are also relieved to see the breeders apprehended and punished.

One of the biggest Ozark raids happened late February of this year. Headlines such as "Ozark Puppy Mill Busted" streamed across newspapers throughout the United States and on national television stations. Nearly 100 yorkies were found in some of the worst conditions ever reported. Most of the dogs were kept in small living quarters and unclean cages. When found, many of these helpless animals could hardly move. Their fur was matted together with feces and other matter. These dreadful reports sickened the Ozark citizens as well as animals lovers across the nation.

After being rescued, the malnourished and mistreated yorkies were taken to the Human Society of Missouri, who cared for their immediate medical needs and prepared the dogs for real homes. While this is a shocking and awful incident, we can all be thankful that these poor pups are now in the hands of wonderful owners who will give them constant love and support. TAME was fortunate to discover what happened to a few of these yorkies and is excited to share three of their stories with you!

Sheryl William-Webb & Circoc
Sheryl Williams-Webb and Delbert Webb of Lee's Summit, Missouri have given Ciroc the perfect home. It brings Sheryl great joy to see Ciroc running and playing in her back yard. They have a 14 year old daughter and another playmate (dog) for Ciroc. The family reports that Ciroc is still hesitant around people, but improves every day. His safe place is Sheryl's closet when he is scared. He dragged Delbert's shirt in there with him. They have since made this his special safe haven, with a piece of clothing from each of the family member in it for him to cuddle.

Diane and Norm Zwada & Lilly
Lilly, a three year old female, found a forever home with Diane and Norm Zwada of Macomb, Michigan. The Zwada's had purchased another yorkie 2 years before from a local pet store and were told it had come from Missouri. When they watched the Oprah show about the yorkie rescue, they came to understand what terrible conditions their first puppy had likely come from. Diane and Norm knew they needed to adopt a rescue dog and give it a loving home, partly to atone for their lack of knowledge before. They say that Lilly is eating well and is becoming less fearful every day.

Scott Veatch & Zelda
Like the Zwada's, the Veatch family of Orange, California saw the Greene county yorkie rescue on Oprah. They were the first to adopt one of these dogs. They owned yorkies for years and sadly lost their last one in February 2009 - the same time the story broke. They felt strongly that they needed to give one of the mother dogs a good home. They selected, Zelda. As could be expected, Zelda has required special care to socialize her. She has slowly been introduced to their other dog and people. Due to the loving care of Scott and Mary, Zelda is doing well.