The first posting about Missouri and puppy mills was angry and bitter. The poster's argument was illogical. True, puppy mills are a problem in Missouri, but I don't see the correlation to Central MO Humane winning the shelter makeover because of the puppy mill problem. The existence of puppy mills isn't the result of having animal shelters or rescues, but the demand of consumers who want some sort of designer dog at low cost. Animal rescuers and shelter workers are the advocates for the puppies in such conditions as these animals have no voice. I could turn the argument around and state something ridiculous that Liberty Humane in NJ didn't win the makeover because many people have an unfair disklike and fear of pit bulls. The last part of the previous sentence may be true, but is it relevant?
Liberty Humane in NJ also had the potential to pool from a very large population base of the NYC and tri-state area of NJ-NY-CT, and that didn't appeal to be happening based on their affiliate numbers. I do think that the shelter manager of Libery Humane in NJ does not share this poster's views as her postings have been friendly and rational. So, by extension, other zootooers should not punish this one shelter next year if they compete in a makeover contest because of one supporters postings....but this was hardly a civil posting and not a way to gain supporters for her shelter. We can all agree that puppyu mills are horrendous and be put out of business.

Well the "Show Me State" has a lot of people that voted on Zoo Too and our votes our up for grabs. I believe our votes for next yours makeover are up for grabs, St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center-Madison will not be getting mine for sure after reading what this person wrote about Missouri. I am liking Barron County and they already know they have a supporter in me. Before you get nasty think about what you are doing and remember the contest will be beginning again.

If this posted twice sorry.

Way to go!! I also read the journal you were referring too and I flagged it b/c I don't believe it's the type of attitude zootoo wants!! Referring to an entire state as greedy is utterly ridiculous! I think she was just really bitter and that kind of negativity has no place on zootoo!!! This is a place where we are all supposed to come together for pets...not resort to name calling b/c her shelter lost!

Great post. I read the journal I believe that you are responding to and I was infuriated (and of course, comments weren't allowed). The puppy mill problem is huge here in Missouri and rescues/shelters do their absolute best to educate the public about the evils of puppy mills. We can't do it alone. Governor Jay Nixon and the Ag Dept head Jon Hagler have voiced their committment to fighting puppy mills. Hopefully with the increased interest by the state government to clean up the puppy mills, we will actually see some movement in shutting them down. In the past, state legislators have been very protective of the puppy mill industry and that has allowed them to flourish. Blaming the rescues/shelters for this problem is patently unfair and unwarranted.