<p>One of my dog walking clients is a miniature dachshund named Hilda. She’s such a sweet dog, it’s a pleasure to be with her each day. Hilda was rescued from the inhumane conditions of a puppy mill and adopted by Lona and Sarah. Lona is interviewed below and has included pictures of Hilda.</p><p>How did Hilda come to be your dog?</p><p>LND - We found Hilda in May 2010 when we went to UrbAnimal http://www.urbanimal.com/ on Lyndale Avenue to visit with adoptable dogs provided that day through Underdog Rescue http://underdogrescuemn.com/</p><p>What are the special challenges in Hilda’s recovery from ‘puppy making machine’ to loved companion?</p><p>LND - It was obvious to us from day one that Hilda had not been exposed to any real human interaction. She was also not used to playing/interacting with other dogs. She was very skittish and would run away if we tried to pick her up. She was also unaccustomed to being on a leash and would shy away from walks outside. Most disturbingly, she was always so afraid of any loud noises! I have no idea what kind of environment she was exposed to beforehand, but anything - thunder, dropping my keys, the garbage truck, closing doors - sent her panicking. Outside, he would pull on her leash, fighting to be free so that she could go hide. Inside, she'd shake and cower in the back of her kennel, often times soiling herself because she had gotten so worked up. It's been over a year since we've had her, and many of the things I mention here have sudsided, but I am not sure she'll ever completely get over her fear of those noises.</p><p>What are Hilda’s favorite activities, toys, fun things you do together?</p><p>LND - Hilda is so much fun to watch at the dog park! She loves to run around with the other dogs and sniffs the other owners, who pet her gently. It is obvious that her new found freedom brings her great joy. Her little legs don't let her keep up with the other dogs all of the time, but she tries anyway. She also enjoys playing with her toys - she is really good at getting to the fuzz in her stuffed playthings! Our favorite thing to do together is cuddle on the couch - you can tell that she did not receive a lot of affection while in the puppy mill, so holding her and letting her curl up next to me or on my lap is a simple but special joy for both of us.</p><p>Please describe how she’s adapted to life with your family and how have your other pets made her transition into family life more enjoyable?</p><p>LND - we have two cats who have been so friendly to Hilda - they rub up against her and she is so tolerant when they want to play with her tail. We adopted another dog, Peanut, and I really believe that Peanut has taught Hilda so much about what it means to play like a dog - they play so much more these days than when we first got her. Her level of interactivity with the other pets and with us has improved greatly since adopting Peanut, and since she's adapted to her new life. </p><p>Can you tell us what are the most rewarding aspects of adopting Hilda? LND - The most rewarding thing about adopting Hilda has been just watching her blossom into a happy dog - one that does "dog things" like roll around in the grass, and play with other animals, and wag her tail. Dachshunds are known for being stout-hearted, fearless puppies with personalities that are so much bigger than their physical bodies. It was painful to see Hilda so timid and fearful at first - and we are thrilled that she is showing us those doxie traits now - she is a completely different dog now than she was a year ago, and it is heartwarming.</p><p>Knowing what you know about puppy mills, what would you tell someone who’s interested in buying a puppy from a local pet shop?</p><p>Well, first, I would encourage them 100% to go to a rescue or adoption agency instead! I have two dogs now, and had two dogs before Hilda and Peanut - one lived to be 14 and the other lived to be 16! Both were mutts and rescued from animal control and my life was enriched 1,000 times for adopting them. It makes no sense in my opinion, with so many wonderful animals available in shelters throughout the country, for anyone to "buy" a dog. But to answer your question, I think it's important for people to understand that so many of the dogs that are available in a local pet shop can likely be puppy mill dogs. The dog breeding business is not regulated well at all, and the rules vary greatly from state to state. With little oversight and only greed to guide them, puppy mill breeders can take full advantage of all the loopholes and will not make the health and welfare of the dogs a priority. So not only do you support a sketchy group of people with little care for animal welfare, but you dont necessarily get a healthy and well-adjusted dog. </p><p>How can people prevent dogs from ending up in puppy mills?</p><p>LND - Adopt your dogs and be sure that they are spayed/neutered! </p>