Pet Tales: Edmond woman's mission is to save innocent lives

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to make more friends, maybe you should consider adopting a new best friend. There are many local rescue organizations in desperate need for homes for loyal and loving animals.

Orphaned Angels, founded by Crystal Maib, is one such rescue with dozens of dogs ready for adoption.

“We take a lot of puppy mill dogs, get them socialized and get them into homes,” Maib said. Ada, a Brussells Griffon was a puppy mill dog Maib rescued.

“She bred puppies her whole life. Her hair's real thin. The condition of the dogs when we get them in is pretty horrific sometimes,” Maib said. Ada, who is 8 years old, and other dogs like her likely will become “sanctuary” animals — they'll live out the rest of their lives in the care of volunteer rescuers.

The ASPCA reports that approximately 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and about 3 to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats).

Given these statistics, Maib said she doesn't think there's “any such thing as responsible breeding.”