Theresa Strader and Lily: A Story of Resilience and Advocacy
Theresa Strader founded the National Mill Dog Rescue in 2007 in memory of her Italian Greyhound, Lily, who endured severe abuse and neglect in a puppy mill for the first seven years of her life.
Lily’s Life in the Mill:
- Confined to a small, cold wire cage in a dark, foul-smelling barn.
- Never exercised or socialized.
- Forced to produce litter after litter without a break.
- Suffered from severe neglect and abuse, leading to significant health issues, including decaying mouth and mandible, mammary lumps, and extreme fear of people.
Rescue and Transformation:
- Lily was rescued by Theresa in February 2007 along with several other dogs from a kennel auction.
- Despite numerous health problems, Lily found love and care with Theresa’s family.
- She struggled with eating due to her severe neglect but gradually learned to love and trust humans.
Theresa’s Letter to Lily’s Breeder:
- Theresa expressed her anger and sorrow over the conditions in which Lily and other dogs were kept.
- Highlighted the inhumane treatment and neglect that puppy mill dogs endure.
- Called for compassionate treatment of all animals and criticized the commercial breeding industry.
Legacy:
- Lily passed away in May 2008 at the age of eight, a direct result of the neglect she suffered.
- Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the mission of the National Mill Dog Rescue to save and care for dogs from puppy mills.
