Pet Tales: Puppy mill rescue is a welcome part of pet family

At the adoption fair I saw strangers coming together to help these little guys and gals out and realized that I could not leave without adopting one of these wonderful dogs.

I noticed a small beagle that was standing all alone, and as I went over to the cage, I am sure he started jumping to make sure that I saw him. On the drive from the event to the veterinarian clinic, an old Harry Chapin song came on the radio, and for some reason the name Harry seemed to fit, so that is how he got his name.

After spending the first night at the clinic for a physical and bath, I brought him home and he spent about six hours walking around the backyard smelling the grass and plants. We estimated that he was about 8 years old. We believe this may have been his first time in a yard or on a lawn. After exploring the yard, he came into the house and collapsed and slept very soundly.

Since then, he quickly became a part of our pet family and is quite happy to teach the others the fine art of napping, as evidenced by the attached photo. He also enjoys a leisurely walk around the track at Earlywine Park when the weather is mild and sunny.

We share our story so that more people will consider adopting dogs rescued from the horrible conditions of puppy mills. These little guys and gals are not damaged goods — they are dogs who just need a guardian, some attention, some love and a forever home.

Robert Lastowski, Oklahoma City