Diary of a Puppy-Mill Princess: A Story of Rescue and Redemption

Diary of a Puppy-Mill Princess is the heartfelt story of Annie, a puppy mill survivor. The book documents Annie’s rocky journey of rehabilitation from rescued dog to companion through her desire for love and the commitment of the family that rescued her.

The book is full of practical tips for new adopters who give abused dogs a second chance at life and happiness. Infused with love and humor, this book gives hope to those owners who, at times, may be bewildered or may lose faith in being able to rehabilitate their rescued dog.

The author remarks:
“In December of 2008 we adopted a Kelpie mix dog named Annie through Project POOCH. We were gifting ourselves a dog for Christmas and gifting the dog with a warm and loving home.”

“When we adopted Annie, there was not much advice available to us about rehabilitating a puppy mill dog. Although it has been a difficult road to travel, it was also full of rewards.”

“I wanted to help other adopters to have an easier time of understanding and rehabilitating their rescue dog and so I wrote “Diary of a Puppy-Mill Princess.” This is the story of Annie’s transformation over the past 24 months from an animal wild with fear to loving pet.”

Caroline Spark, PhD, Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant comments:
“Agnes Green has written a valuable personal account of rehabilitating a ‘puppy-mill dog.’ The book provides useful advice, grounded in personal experience, for others who embark on similar journeys with dogs like Annie, and offers an honest account of the very real challenges that adopters face when they bring these dogs into their homes and hearts.”

Excerpt - Introduction
“We’re bonded with Annie now and would not give her up for anything. But frankly, had I known all that we would have to go through, I would not have wanted to take Annie on. On our path to her recovery we have felt frustrated, bewildered, antagonized, rejected, despairing, disappointed, and confused. We have lost hope and found it again. We have been on the verge of giving up more than once, until we were told that there was no better option for her out there. That we were the ideal rescuers even if we didn’t think so.”

“As we peeled away layers of fear, Annie’s personality and gift for joy began to emerge. Our reward. Finally, I believe that when the obstacles are removed, Nature has an infinite capacity to heal itself. I see this every day as I work with clients on optimizing their nutrition. Annie’s story is proof in the pudding. And oh, is it ever so sweet!”

Excerpt – The escape
[The third day of Annie’s trial visit with us…] I was taking her for a walk. Children were sledding down the sloping street, yelling and squealing in excitement. A group of them was clattering by the house when Annie and I were rounding the corner of the garage. She got frightened and bolted, tearing the leash out of my hand… She took off like the proverbial greased lightning, up the hill, and in a moment rounded the next corner and was gone. “

“Jim began to track her distinctive footprints in the snow with the snake imprint of the leash between them. Neighbors, joined in the hunt, George came and Joan from Project POOCH with her 4-wheel drive.“
“We hoped Annie didn’t run onto the freeway, though cars were moving slowly in the bad weather. At sundown we had to give up the search. Night fell quickly. It was the coldest night of the year, a mere 16 degrees. We feared for her life…”