There is no love like dog love.

Few creatures, if any, in this world are as loving and devoted as a dog. They greet us with happy tail wags and sloppy kisses, snuggle us when we are lonely or sad (or for no good reason at all) and provide us with unconditional love and friendship. What could be better?

As pet parents, we want nothing less than the very best for our friends who give us so much, and it’s hard to imagine life without them! So, when we see these sweet creatures being neglected or abused, it’s darn near impossible to stomach. All over the world, pets are mistreated in so many ways, usually at the hands of those entrusted with their care.

Far too often, nobody comes to the rescue, or help comes too late. But every once in a while, a ray of sunlight shines through, and love comes through to save the day. Back in December, over 150 dogs were seized from a “commercial breeder” in Florence, South Carolina. Most of these pups were toy breeds, and had essentially been held captive their entire lives for the sole purpose of reproducing. Their health and happiness were deliberately sacrificed for the sake of profit.

As soon as authorities became aware of this situation, Valiant: Animal Rescue & Relief was on the scene. This amazing rescue group contributes more to animal rescue than the seizure of affected animals. Once they ensure the safety of the recovered pets, the group’s veterinarians, techs and other experts get the animals the medical treatment they need – and they also help seek justice for them. The group’s executive director is a trained animal forensics expert.

This means they can help provide law enforcement with the tools and facts they need to be sure the responsible individuals are held accountable for their actions. Valiant documents living environments, health conditions and other aspects of the animal’s existence that are vital to the resolution of these cases.

While this organization is above and beyond stellar, they truly cannot do it all on their own. Like most rescue organizations, they rely on the support of their community and fellow pet lovers. You can donate to their cause monetarily, but you can also donate something more valuable: your love.

How The CrockPet Diet can save a life

Adopting an abandoned pet is the greatest kindness you can offer them. You are giving them a second chance at life, and at love. If you aren’t in a place to give a pet a forever home (maybe you already have several pets, or travel a lot), being a foster parent to an animal in need is a priceless gift. So many rescue organizations, like Valiant ARR, rely on foster parents to provide care and rehabilitation to their animals.

Once you've adopted a pet, the best way to show your love is by taking care of them. Nourish their body, their mind and their spirit. You all know that I believe a quality diet, namely The Original CrockPet Diet, is the best way to do this. By feeding your pet the best food available, you are nourishing their body. And when the body is healthy, the mid and spirit can soar. After all, a healthy pet is much more willing and able to play with the ball, go for walks or follow you around the house.

While The Original CrockPet Diet can help your pet live its best life, it also has a history of saving lives! Not only does it fight disease and illness, but it can be a resource for pets who have no hope otherwise. Many animals have been rescued from dire conditions, and their lives changed forever, for the best, with a lot of love and the help of The Original CrockPet Diet.

After the puppy mill seizure in Florence, some of our very own CrockPET parents stepped up to save lives.

Wendy shared an incredible story of healing and hope with us. After taking in a rescued Dachshund named Roscoe, she found unexpected help from The CrockPet community: “When we got the call to help find fosters and adopters for some of the dachshunds rescued from a commercial breeder in Florence County, I had no idea what to expect. Roscoe was emaciated and so scared that he cowered in the corner when we approached him.

We soon discovered that his mouth was in terrible condition, with teeth literally falling out. With the help of our vet, Roscoe was able to receive the dental surgery he so desperately needed. With twenty of his teeth already missing and another twenty-one extractions, Roscoe was left with one lone tooth.

The vet also found that the severity of his condition had caused the infection to spread to the bone, and that his jaw had been fractured for some time. Roscoe needed time, patience, and love for his healing process to begin. Fellow dachshund lover, Debbi, (whom we had met through our group, Dachshunds of Charleston) contacted us to see if they could help. When I described Roscoe’s special needs, Debbi recommended the CrockPet diet. The old adage is true: it really does take a village.

Debbi made Roscoe a big batch of food and showed us what we needed to make it ourselves. She contacted Dr. Roberts, who has been a great source of information and support. Roscoe learned to adapt quickly, and was soon lapping up his new food. Several weeks later, Roscoe is making great strides every day! He is gaining energy and confidence, and we are beginning to see his bright personality shine through. He now knows when it is time to eat and even gives us a little hop around the kitchen, excited that he will soon enjoy a warm, nutritious meal. We are so grateful for Debbi and Dr. Roberts for sharing [The CrockPet Diet] with us. Roscoe is well on his way to recovery and a happy new life!”

Love, despite pain.

Situations such as this remind us why pet adoption is so important. As animal lovers, we simply cannot continue to support an industry that perpetuates the suffering of innocent animals, all for the sake of manufacturing “purebred” animals, and turning a profit.

Many of these rescued animals are so happy, and it is incredible how much they still trust – despite what they’ve been through. Their innocence and adoration for humans, in spite of their past, is truly inspiring. So if you ever find yourself wondering what true love really is, look into the eyes of a dog.

For more information about Valiant: Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation, visit their website. Hear me talk more about this rescue, how this dark situation brought love to my own family, and another organization in Mexico that is in dire need of our help, all in the video below. Dr. Ruth Roberts; Ask the Vet