i'll add my two cents worth here, but only a few sentences. the star ledger of new jersey just did a series of articles about the aspca's here in jersey. seems as tho many chapters are run for the benefit of the local officals. that is, the money was used to help pay their personal house bills. forget the care and feeding of those pets that were entrusted to their care.
second, if you buy anything from the chain of pet stores, you help the puppy mills. unless you go to a breeder that has a good rep. puppymills will always be there.
my second wife came with a daughter and a 6 year old shep mix who was from a mill. her feet show the signs of being cramped in a cage at an early age, toes are all going in different directions. but she has the best heart. i tell shan every day she has to live a long time and be healthy, she is my first line of warning!!! i love my doggie!!!