When I traveled to Cartagena, Colombia, I took pictures of these puppies that were for sale by the kennel owner. It broke my heart to see these puppies out on the sidewalk in steel cages covered with glass and without proper ventilation. These precious little puppies were standing or sleeping on heavy wire mess.

When I stood right in front of them, I saw sad little eyes begging me to take them with me. I was powerless to help these poor little prisoners of greed.

When the man approached me with his sales pitch, I stared at him with disgust, but I did hold my tongue since I was in a foreign country. I've often wondered what happened to those little puppies!

You have the power to stop puppy mills and backyard breeders. There are so many homeless little cats and dogs that need you to love and care for them. Please put these puppy mills and backyard breeders out of business. Go to your nearest animal shelter and adopt a homeless pet. It is estimated that approximately eight million animals from the animal shelters are put to death each year due to overpopulation!

There's yet another way you can help stop the over population of unwanted animals. Dedicate a few minutes from your busy day, and trap a stray cat or dog, and have it spayed and neutered. You can purchase your own trapper from any pet store.

As a pup I dreamed and wondered what life would hold in store. For me, I thought there's something great! Beyond that kennel door. Out there are needy people and I have much to give; love, and wit, and gentleness to help them learn to live.

I'd be someone's protector, keep little ones from harm, pr guide an old man's weary steps, or help to run a farm. I'd run and bark and jump and play with friends along a sandy shore, I'd roll in meadows thick and green that lie beyond that kennel door.

I lay here waiting-longing, as the days and years went by; my owner kept me fed and brushed, but inside, let me die. I do not think of greatness now, I'm old and filled with pain. My owner has some ribbons, But I have lived in vain. I cannot think of what could have been, my dreams are filled with hope no more, just floor and walls and broken heart behind this kennel door. - Unknown