Maine Puppy Store Sourcing

©Bailing Out Benji 2024
All research and information was done by the research team at Bailing Out Benji and therefore must be cited as such when shared or quoted.
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“We don’t buy from puppy mills.”

“All of our puppies come from small, local breeders.”

“We visit every breeder we buy from.”

“We only buy from the top USDA breeders.”

These are common phrases shared by pet store owners and their employees to potential puppy-buyers. They paint this beautiful picture of puppies running by a pond and parents frolicking in the fresh, green grass. Sadly, more often than not, those statements are false. The pet industry often lacks transparency for the consumer and when families purchase without doing their research, it is the fastest way to support the puppy mill industry. 

This is why we are here.

Bailing Out Benji is a small nonprofit that started in Ames, Iowa and now has volunteer teams all over the country who are dedicated to raising awareness about the puppy mill industry.

Bailing Out Benji emphasizes the importance of researching pet stores and commercial breeders to uncover the often hidden and unethical practices within the pet trade industry. By providing transparency to the public, we aim to educate consumers about the origins of animals sold in stores and online, while exposing the conditions in which some of these animals are bred and raised. This transparency empowers potential pet owners to make informed decisions, encouraging the adoption of pets from shelters and reputable breeders, ultimately leading to the improvement of animal welfare standards as we move towards a future with no more puppy mills. 

The information below was obtained through FOIA requests from various State Departments of Agriculture, as well as information from the USDA and local licensing agencies. 

NOTE:

-Before an animal is transported out of state, a veterinarian, accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), must examine the animal for signs of “infectious, contagious or communicable disease” and, if no disease is found, sign the certificate for approval to transport.

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This research can be extremely costly, please consider making a donation to help us continue exposing the puppy mill industry. Every dollar helps us!

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The information below reflects breeders that Pawz and Clawz Pets sourced from in 2022 and 2023. 

Pawz & Clawz Petz- 889 Roosevelt Trail # 2, Windham, ME 04062

  1. Albert Troyer (D), Hilltop Produce and Nursery Pets AKA HPN Pets. Clark, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 17 adult breeding dogs and 2 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  2. Amos Miller (J) and Melinda Miller. Centralia, Missouri-  At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 43 adult breeding dogs and 43 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2021 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities, sheltered housing facilities and veterinary care for dogs.
  3. Angela Fields, A+ Pups. Green Castle, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 94 adult breeding dogs and 47 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.
  4. Ann Remy, David Remy and William Remy, Remy Kennel. Booneville, Arkansas– At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 95 adult breeding dogs and 12 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  5. Anna Troyer and Albert Troyer. Clark, Missouri- Before canceling their USDA license this facility had 65 adult breeding dogs and 52 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.  In 2021 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities and feeding.
  6. Becky Busboom, Pixy Pals LLC. Dannebrog, Nebraska- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had zero puppies on their property with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. This facility is a dog brokering facility which buys puppies from others and resells them to stores. To view which breeders this facility has bought from in the past, click here.

  7. Bennie Shrock, MB Kennels. La Plata, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 23 adult breeding dogs and 32 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  8. Betty Fetters, Fetters Furry Friends. Novinger, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 125 adult breeding dogs and 58 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.
  9. Bill Kinnamon, Rocken K Kennels. Independence, Kansas- Before canceling their USDA license this facility had 13 adult breeding dogs and 7 puppies. 
  10. Brandy Hough. Brighton, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 13 adult breeding dogs and 4 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.
  11. Brian Graber (J). Montgomery, Indiana- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 20 adult breeding dogs and 23 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2019 this facility received a USDA violation pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care.
  12. Brian Mohrfeld, Select Puppies AKA Lucky Puppies Co. West Point, Iowa- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 114 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. This facility is a dog brokering facility which buys puppies from others and resells them to stores. 
  13. Calvin Good and Teresa Good, CT Kennels. Memphis, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 112 adult breeding dogs and 63 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  14. Carl Schwartz, Heart String Healthy Puppies AKA Heartstring Kennels LLC. Millersburg, Indiana- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 15 adult breeding dogs and 43 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  15. Chris Beachy. Madison, Missouri- This facility doesn’t appear to hold a USDA license. 
  16. Clemens Borntreger (J) and Lizzie Borntreger (N). Waverly, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 73 adult breeding dogs and 51 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  17. Daniel Borntreger (R) and Barbara Borntreger, Monroe County Puppies AKA Mon Co Puppies. Madison, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 43 adult breeding dogs and 14 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2021 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and cleaning/ sanitization/ housekeeping/ pest control.
  18. Darlene Whitman, O’ My Heart Kennels. Mountain Grove, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 98 adult breeding dogs and 23 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  19. Devin Spears, Triple S Puppies. Osborne, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 52 adult breeding dogs and 41 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  20. Edna Troyer and Elmer Troyer, Timber View Kennel. Clark, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 55 adult breeding dogs and 60 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2022 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to: housing facilities, sheltered housing facilities, outdoor housing facilities, primary enclosures, watering, veterinary care for dogs and cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control.
  21. Elmer Wagler, Jonathan Wagler (D), Rachel Wagler (M), JE Kennel. Montgomery, Indiana- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 20 adult breeding dogs with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  22. Ezra Mast. Welch, Oklahoma- This facility doesn’t appear to hold a USDA license. One of the puppies in this shipment had medical notes regarding a cryptorchid. 
  23. Holly Burch. Cordell, Oklahoma- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 71 adult breeding dogs and 23 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  24. Jacob Shetler. Moberly, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 59 adult breeding dogs and 22 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  25. Jamie Ward, Sugarloaf Puppies. Lead Hill, Arkansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 34 adult breeding dogs and 7 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  26. Jared Wittmer. Montgomery, Indiana- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 4 adult breeding dogs. This facility has not been inspected by the USDA since 2022, which was their first and only inspection.
  27. John Borntreger and Millie Borntreger. Canton, Missouri- Before canceling their USDA license this facility had 37 adult breeding dogs and 50 puppies.
  28. Joni Petersheim (T), Sho Me Kennel. Madison, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 57 adult breeding dogs and 62 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  29. Joseph Troyer (D) and Anna Troyer. Clark, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 16 adult breeding dogs and 2 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  30. Judy Koehn, Bow-Wow Mound. Burns, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 176 adult breeding dogs and 160 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2024 this facility received a USDA violation pertaining to veterinary care for dogs. In 2022 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to time and method of identification and records (repeat).
  31. Kevin Street (D), Street’s Kennel LLC. Bowling Green, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 133 adult breeding dogs and 97 puppies as well as 18 adult breeding cats and 14 kittens with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  32. Jeff Conger, King James Kennel. Willow Springs, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 20 adult breeding dogs with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  33. Kellen Bollinger and Terryn Bollinger, Blackberry Trails. Goodman, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 12 adult breeding dogs with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  34. Lacey Kauffman, Lindley Creek Kennel. Portis, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 113 adult breeding dogs and 24 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  35. LeAnn Roy. Mansfield, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 39 adult breeding dogs and 28 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. This facility did receive a ‘teachable moment’ by the USDA in 2022 for outdoor housing facilities. This teachable moment likely should have been a violation.
  36. Levi Hershberger (J) and Freda Hershberger (D). Canton, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 32 adult breeding dogs and 9 puppies with a history of missing inspections. This facility has since canceled their license. 
  37. Linda Banwart, Prairie View Companion. Liberal, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 15 adult breeding dogs and 7 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. This facility did receive a ‘teachable moment’ by the USDA in 2020 for record keeping regarding the number of animals on their property. This teachable moment likely should have been a violation. 
  38. Linda Brasher, Elite Puppies. Havana, Arkansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 95 adult breeding dogs and 39 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.
  39. Lindsey Forquer and Jesse Forquer, Cammies Country Canines. Salem, Iowa- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 64 adult breeding dogs and 37 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  40. Lorilee Thomas, Puppies Extraordinaire. Whiting, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 407 adult breeding dogs and 248 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  41. Mahlon Beachy. Clark, Missouri– At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 70 adult breeding dogs and 42 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  42. Marla Campbell and Roger Campbell, Dandelion Acres. Newton, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 108 adult breeding dogs and 58 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years besides missed inspections at the time of this report being released.
  43. Marty Clinton, Twin Springs Kennel LLC. Vanzant, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 86 adult breeding dogs and 35 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2022, this facility received USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care (x2) and housing facilities. This facility also received an official USDA warning in 2023 due to the violations received in 2022. One puppy in this shipment has medical notes referring to an inguinal hernia. 
  44. Mary Feldmann and Tim Feldmann, Raspberry Creek Kennel. Sheldon, Missouri- Before canceling their USDA license, this facility had 42 adult breeding dogs and 28 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2023 this facility received three USDA violations pertaining to housing facilities and in 2020 they also received two USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and housing facilities.
  45. Mary Good and Alvin Good, Mary’s Pets. Memphis, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 21 adult breeding dogs and 33 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.
  46. Mary Smith. Salem, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 21 adult breeding dogs and 5 puppies, which is down from more than 100 adults. This facility has since canceled their license after missing four USDA inspections in 2023 and receiving 8 USDA violations in 2022 regarding watering (repeat), cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control; access and inspection of records (x3);  housing facilities, watering, veterinary care for dogs. Smith also received violations on the state level in Missouri. 
  47. Michael Kreger. Jetmore, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 70 adult breeding dogs and 42 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  48. Monica Sheeley and Dan Sheeley, SouthPaw Pets AKA Premium Paws. Neosho, Missouri- This facility holds both a USDA A license for breeding and a USDA B license for dealing. At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 40 puppies at their brokering facility and another 45 adult breeding dogs and 93 puppies at their breeding facility with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years besides missed inspections at the time of this report being released.
  49. Moses Zimmerman and Anna Zimmerman, Lone Pine Kennel. Barnett, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 20 adult breeding dogs and 13 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. This facility did receive ‘teachable moments’ by the USDA in 2021 for cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control, and housing facilities. Both of these violations likely should have been USDA violations. 
  50. Noah Shetler, Shetler Kennel. Madison, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 20 adult breeding dogs and 9 puppies. This facility canceled their USDA license after not having been inspected since 2022. They remain state licensed. 
  51. Pamela Monnahan, PJs Puppies LLC. Lebanon, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 51 adult breeding dogs and 21 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  52. Perry Petersheim. Moberly, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 42 adult breeding dogs and 41 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  53. Rachel Davis, Vickie Davis and Virgel Davis, Davis Kennel. Seymour, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 45 adult breeding dogs and 14 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2021 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, primary enclosures (x2), watering (direct). 
  54. Raymond Miller (A). Clark, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 32 adult breeding dogs and 16 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  55. Rebecca Eiler, Creek Side Kennel. Oberlin, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 363 adult breeding dogs and 201 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.  This facility did receive a ‘teachable moment’ by the USDA in 2022 for feeding. This teachable moment likely should have been a violation.
  56. Rhonda Frederick,​​ Luvable Puppies. Okmulgee, Oklahoma- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 28 adult breeding dogs and 14 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2024 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping, and pest control. In 2022 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and housing. 
  57. Samuel Petersheim (J) and Levi Petersheim (J). Madison, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 54 adult breeding dogs and 56 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2023 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and housing facilities.
  58. Sheila Bealmer, Sheila’s Kute Kanines. Atlanta, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 123 adult breeding dogs and 56 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  59. Shelli Kershner, Walnut Creek Kennel. Rush Center, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 72 adult breeding dogs and 16 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  60. Simon Troyer (D). Clark, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 21 adult breeding dogs and 30 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  61. Tammy Spears, Land of Oz Kennels AKA Spears Kennel. Osborne, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 58 adult breeding dogs and 17 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  62. Tara Dillow and Joshua Dillow. Erie, Kansas- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 67 adult breeding dogs and 41 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  63. Teresa Follin, TJ’s Kennel. Sallisaw, Oklahoma- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 41 adult breeding dogs and 18 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  64. Tony Schindler, QD Kennels. Frankford, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 38 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. This facility is a dog brokering facility which buys puppies from others and resells them to stores. 
  65. Valerie Anderson (J), VJ’s Puppies. Mills, Nebraska- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 13 adult breeding dogs and 4 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. 
  66. Violet Veitschegger, Lazy Daze Kennel AKA Waggin’ Tails Pet Motel. Stockton, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 28 adult breeding dogs and 9 puppies with no documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released.
  67. Willard Borntrager and Esther Borntrager, Stagecoach Run Kennels. Brashear, Missouri- At the time of their last known inspection, this facility had 30 adult breeding dogs and 34 puppies with documented USDA violations within the last 5 years at the time of this report being released. In 2024 this facility received USDA violations pertaining to attending veterinarian and adequate veterinary care, and time and method of identification.

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©Bailing Out Benji 2024
All research and information was done by the research team at Bailing Out Benji and therefore must be cited as such when shared or quoted.

** To those consumers that have bought a family member and are wondering about their actual background -please feel free to fill out the form below with any questions that you have and we will confidentially research the breeder your pup came from.