Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe in Ames, Iowa sells puppies from known puppy mills.
As an animal lover, I am asking everyone reading this to please think twice before you shop at Dyvigs Pet Shoppe in Ames, Iowa. Every Saturday morning (and some other days) animal lovers from central Iowa gather to educate the citizens of Ames about the pet store/puppy mill connection. Dale Dyvig, owner of the pet store, knowingly purchases his puppies from a “family breeder” in the “Waterloo area”, or so he tells his customers… Century Farm Puppies is located in Grundy Center, Iowa and they are the definition of a puppy mill. Dyvig also forgot to mention that he also uses New Design Kennels in Rockwell City, Iowa. As you can see below, the CFP breeder will even tell you that the puppies are not kept in the home!
The owner of the store and the employees have been feeding their customers that same line for over ten years. (The pet store here in Ames is not his first pet store, he has owned at least two more in recent decades- all while using the same breeders). Now is the time for people to learn the truth about where those puppies really come from. Keep in mind, when we talked with Dale before the protests began, he said that he had visited Century Farm Puppies and was okay with everything he saw. Here is the handout Dale was giving his customers when the protests began.
CENTURY FARM PUPPIES, GRUNDY CENTER, IOWA
This is a direct excerpt from the Century Farm Puppies website.
Below is the most recent dog count from the USDA . As you can see, Century Farm Puppies has 155 adult dogs and 48 puppies. In recent years, they have had as many as 560 dogs on their property. While their numbers are dwindling, they still have far too many dogs in their care. It should be stated that Dale Dyvig still used and approved of these breeders when they had all of those dogs and numerous violations.
Below are a few of the violations that they have had in the past which include: a build up of days old feces, on all of the flat surfaces of their buildings there was severe buildup of hair, dirt and other debris (which affected approximately 532 dogs at the time!!) Again, see for yourself. These are screenshots of the USDA reports.
Century Farm Puppies has been downgrading in recent years due to public pressure and the fact that more people are “waking up” about puppy mills. In recent years they had over 500 adult dogs on their property, which is an insane amount of dogs to care for. Many people have criticized us for quoting previous USDA reports, please keep in mind that Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe has used this breeder for several years and has always known what is going on in the puppy mill. Here are some of their most recent numbers.
A local radio station decided to look into Century Farm Puppies, what they saw and heard there were very troubling. They were not only able to see inside of the “honeymoon suites”, but they confirmed that there were over 125 dogs living inside of the sundowner buildings within the metal barn, the barking was unbearable, and there was an overwhelming smell. Not only did this confirm to us that it is a puppy mill- but what the owner, Rex Meyers, said ON AIR about the puppies he sells to Dyvigs- “…we don’t sell Teddy Bears, so those I send to the pet store. Because they’re a cheap dog. We’re known for Cavachons. I’d rather sell Cavachons.”
Straight from the breeder’s mouth. The dogs he sells to Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe are cheap. For more information on Century Farm Puppies, click here.
NEW DESIGN KENNELS, ROCKWELL CITY, IOWA
Nancy and Tom Carlson of New Design Kennels are very deep in the puppy mill world. Not only do they have a huge puppy mill of their own, they run under TWO names so the public doesn’t see that they breed several breeds of dogs (New Design Kennel and Illusion Japanese Chin) but they sell their unwanted dogs at terrible dog auctions. Most recently, In May, Nancy and Tom helped out at another dog auction that I attended. These “reputable breeders” have no problem breeding dogs that aren’t healthy. If you read the article above, you will note that many of her dogs were missing teeth, eyes and had open wounds AT THE AUCTION! Below shows you an approximate number of dogs that she sells on her property and, below that, we highlight some of her violations. For more information on New Design Kennels, please click here.
If the inspection reports aren’t bad enough. Look at how these dogs are forced to live.
Please remember, that the owner of Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe has been to both of these places and approved of how these dogs are kept. I am not okay with how these animals are living… Are YOU?
Sadly, Dyvig’s Pet Shoppe also buys their small animals from a large supplier of small animals. Yes, there are small animal (and cat) mills too!
How can you help?
Call or stop in!
(515)233-5625 If you feel strongly enough (and are brave enough), contact him this way. Ask him directly about the puppies and the welfare of the parent dogs. We do not want to see a local business close down, instead we want the owner to choose a more humane business model by either not selling puppies at all, or choosing to help shelter dogs instead!
Visit us on Saturdays!
A small group of us stands in front of the store every Saturday morning (the time varies) and Sunday afternoons , educating the citizens of Ames about the pet store/puppy mill connection. Whether you join us for the full two hours or just stop by to show you support, we would love to see you! You can find out when we are at the store, through our facebook page!
THIS NEXT PART GOES FOR EVERYONE, IN EVERY CITY, IN EVERY STATE
Don’t give your business to pet stores that sell puppies and kitties. Pet overpopulation is a terrible problem in our country and only the consumers can help change that. If you are looking for a new pet PLEASE visit your local shelter. Over 35% of dogs in shelters are purebred, they are just overlooked. If you can’t find what you are looking for at your local shelter, please try www.petfinder.com It is a tremendously helpful site! You can search for ANY BREED anywhere. Don’t breed or buy while homeless pets die!
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and help spread the word!
“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Actual Dogs Sold from Dyvigs <—-> The “Sundowner Buildings” that the mill owners refer to as “honeymoon suites” There were three of these in one building at the mill.
