BISSELL Pet Foundation is making a lifesaving impact this holiday season with a mission to save more than 200 dogs surrendered by commercial breeders in the Midwest. This critical effort, done in partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR), underscores BPF’s continued dedication to providing lifesaving assistance for discarded dogs who would otherwise not have a chance.
This mission was initiated to support NMDR as they continue to receive an overwhelming number of requests to take in dogs and puppies from large-scale commercial breeding operations. These dogs are often discarded due to the inability to sell them or the scaling back or closure of the business. BPF’s Animal Incident Management (AIM) initiative is uniquely equipped to provide collaborative support for large-scale surrenders of this nature.
To prepare for this special mission, the AIM team, which included BPF staff and National Shelter Alliance partner organizations, made their way to Missouri to provide boots-on-the-ground assistance at NMDR. In just two days, all dogs were examined by veterinarians, vaccinated and provided with health certificates to prepare for transport.
On December 7, 2024, BPF airlifted over 130 dogs to start their new lives in Michigan with our shelter and rescue partners. Arriving in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cathy Bissell, the BPF team and 11 animal welfare organizations from throughout the state welcomed these deserving dogs with the promise of finding them loving homes.
The remaining dogs from this mission traveled by ground transport to partner shelters in Illinois and Missouri. This collaborative effort highlights the power of partnerships in saving lives and ensuring these animals receive the love and care they desperately need.
Commercially bred dogs no longer used for breeding or sale have nowhere to go. Transferring them to shelters and rescues with space saves their lives and generates excitement in the community while increasing foot traffic in the shelter. Individuals and families who may not have considered visiting a shelter to adopt a pet may come in to meet one of these dogs but end up leaving with a dog already at the shelter waiting for adoption.
We are eager to see these beautiful dogs go home just in time for the holidays. Please help us continue to save the lives of pets in need. They are counting on you.
