I support entrepreneurs and wish the new store well, but I'd rather have a mutt from a shelter. We have so many unwanted dogs that need homes. I wish the store only sold upscale accessories and didn't sell purebred puppies, in cribs no less.

Maybe Mr. Cossentino could be convinced to donate a portion of his profits to Animal Welfare Society of Howard County, a no-kill shelter for those mutts. AND there are plenty of pure-breds who show up there when their owners discover that puppies grow up to be dogs and that they are a lot of responsibility.

Between Today's Pet and Charm City Puppies I am sad to live in a neighborhood that supports puppy mills and sketchy breeders ("teacup" Yorkies??). I, for one, will never patronize either of those stores. I have a wonderful, healthy shelter mutt (from the nearby Howard County Animal Control), and hope that these store owners will consider other options for a business.

I'm very concerned that people will believe that these puppies are from "breeders." The USDA doesn't carefully regulate breeding facilities, so does that mean that his dogs are just from the mills that haven't yet been shut down? No decent breeder would allow his/her puppies to be sold in a store. This whole concept is ludicrous. Please check out the following website for more information, and please don't EVER buy a dog (check out petfinder.com instead), when MILLIONS are killed every year in shelters, as you'll continue to support the misery of these beautiful creatures: http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/

I think instead of reprinting marketing drivel, perhaps Columbia Patch could actually do some REPORTING on what really goes on in these puppy boutiques? Maybe you could report on the number of healthy mutts available for adoption at nearby shelters or the number of healthy mutts that are KILLED at nearby shelters. Also - since when does the USDA inspect puppy mills? If these people loved dogs, they wouldn't be selling them for profit out of strip mall store.

USDA approved breeders? Give me a break! Why would you buy a dog when there are lots of perfectly good dogs and cats at our area shelters? That is what Columbia Patch should be writing about. They should be giving publicity to the shelters not "puppy stores." I am so digusted by both Today's Pet and Charm City Puppies. No legitimate breeder would ever sell their animals in a pet store. Give me a break. If the owner and his wife really loved animals as they proclaim, they wouldn't contribute to our current problem of MILLIONS of animals being killed in shelters every year!

I think the earlier commentors have the issues of puppy mills well covered. However, a business is Columbia has no business using "Charm City" in their name. Columbia is the antithesis of Baltimore, both good and bad.

USDA approved means nothing. They approve puppy mill dogs. Can't believe you are writing an article about a store that is going to sell mill puppies. No reputable breeder would ever sell their pups in a pet store. Shame on the city for giving a business permit to a store like this. If a person wants a puppy, look at the shelter, rescue or go to the AKC website and find a reputable breeder. I would never step foot in a store that sells puppies. If these owners love their furry friends, then they should know just where their pups will be coming from. This is a very sad situation. How about writing an article on educating people about puppy mills.

We'll see how much these people love animals based on what they do with the dogs that don't sell as puppies and how the dogs are placed when they are closed down due to a lack of business. Let's keep an eye on them.

"The puppies will all come from thoroughly researched breeders that have all been USDA approved, he said." No legitimate breeder sells their puppies through a pet store. All puppy buyers are thoroughly screened to make sure they're an appropriate home, and they have a lifelong commitment to their puppies and will take them back to make sure they won't end up in a shelter if the buyer's circumstances change.

Good breeders also do all health clearances on their stock that are recommended by the parent breed club, which is not something that these "USDA-approved breeders" do. They also research the pedigrees to know what makes a good match, AND they know there's no such thing as a "teacup" Yorkie or a labradoodle or any of the other fads that are going on.

It would be nice if they would reconsider by opening their boutique but not selling any life animals. Instead, they could offer it as a place for rescue groups to go and showcase the dogs they have available for adoption, both purebred and mixed breed.

A little more research into exactly what a USDA-approved breeder is would make you realize it really doesn't mean that much when it comes to breeding for health, type and longevity.

I thought Columbia was a progressive town? This store goes back to 1980's mentality....sorry to see The Patch reporting this story.....approximately EIGHT DOGS EVERY MINUTE are killed in shelters across the country b/c of overpopulation. Sad to see Mr Cossentino using his energies for this endeavor.

This is appalling. Shelters are overrun with animals, both mutts and pure bred alike, for any number of reasons, e.g., too time consuming, "untrainable", no longer cute, etc. I wonder how many of these puppies-in-cribs will suffer the same fate? What started as a "joke" is still a joke, unfortunately played on the puppies.

My sentiments echo those below. I'd bet my life on it that these dogs come from puppy mills/backyard breeders. Will Charm City Puppies take these dogs back when their owners tire of them? How about having a waiting period...you know, to stop that impulse buy of a cute puppy. I've been a foster home for dachshunds for four years. I've seen my share of puppies that were purchased at pet stores on a whim be turned into rescue 3-4 months later (if the dog is lucky...if not that dog goes to a shelter). The quickest turnaround...a family purchased a puppy and gave it to rescue the very next day!
Sell your cute and probably outrageously priced dog/cat items if you want, but stop selling puppies. Have the local shelters bring you dogs and cats desperate for a home. Their FB page claims local shelters are not full...complete and utter LIE! What planet are you living on. BARCS, MD SPCA, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County shelters, etc., are ALWAYS overflowing.

There are so many dogs who get put down EVERYDAY. Let's not support pet stores and breeders. Go to a rescue. They are the best kind of dogs. If you are looking for a dog, go to petfinder. They are dogs who are rescued, usually from high kill shelters. You can even foster the dog first and make sure they adapt to your home and other family members. Pet stores just try to make money and do not care who buys from them. Rescues provide good homes for all animals by doing background checks and home checks. When you rescue one animal, you are rescuing two.

I have never and will never pay $999 for a "boutique puppy". There are more animals in shelters everyday because (a) no one knows the meaning of spaying or neutering (b) sick puppies bought from "reputable" pet stores get sick and are dropped off because their owners cannot financially care for them and (c) because once a puppy starts growing and doesn't look good for business,pet stores drop them off. High end accessory boutique, fine, whatever. High end puppy store? No. Thanks for adding to the problem.

I wonder how many of these puppies will end up in the kill shelters here in howard county.... either because the people get bored with their new 'toy' or their child gets bitten because they don't know what they are doing... I've lived in the area since '72 and all of my pets have been rescues... including a pure-bread airedale ... I will not be shopping at this store.

Charm City Puppies say: "the idea to open a high-end puppy store was initially kind of a joke between him and his wife" - ARE YOU INSANE? also, their puppies are "USDA approved" - ARE YOU SERIOUS? then comment, "we don't buy from people with more than 75 dogs (adults and puppies) on the property." - HELLO, CAN YOU SAY, PUPPY-MILL? SORRY, REPUTABLE BREEDERS DO NOT BREED THIS WAY!! I loved this one, "the shelters in the immediate area aren't overrun with animals" - SHAME ON YOU... WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE IN GEOGRAPHY, YOU DIDN'T NEVER CONSIDERED THERE ARE 5 ANIMAL SHELTERS WITHIN A 30 MILE RADIUS OF COLUMBIA? Stick to what you know, joking with your wife or use your degree and teach. Don't be another tool filling the many shelters with the high priced puppies your Gucci store is attempting to sell

They claim to have contacted area shelters.....besides showcasing dogs for Animal Control, what have they offered to do? And while we're talking about AC and over-crowded shelters, does anyone know why How Co AC rarely has more than 5-6 dogs in that new-ish large-ish facility? I don't know what their "kill" policy is exactly, but that low population really concerns me. I know that resuces and true shelters in the area are indeed packed. As everyone has been saying, this will only add to the problem.

The painful truth is reputable dog breeders do not wholesale their puppies to a store. That means these are coming from "puppy mills where breeder dogs typically suffer horrible lives. Most breeding dogs never leave their cages, many that have come into rescue have deformed feet from the years of standing on grated cages. (This is done so that urine and feces passes directly thru the open bottoms to prevent the breeder from having to have any contact with the breeding stock.) Generally their breeding dogs are treated purely as inventory of the business, no attention, no love, no grooming, little or no medical care, and bred as often as possible without consideration of the physical impact on the dog. In most cases once a dam's uterus ruptures from over breeding or she is simply no longer able to reproduce more stock she is then put to death. So how many "customers" purchasing these adorable puppies know or understand the terror that created them? Would they truly be indifferent enough that they would go ahead and buy these pups if they knew about this? Another factor is the probability of physical deformity or illness/disease in the future of pups that come from mills. In many cases inbreeding occurs at these mills with no regard to how close the genetic lines are & how many "bad" traits may be being compounded.This results in a miriad of problems that are costly to the new family and may prove deadly to the dog. Do any of us really want to perpetuate this?

Then there is the whole fact of the immense number of dogs and cats in the area already waiting for homes in shelters and rescue. If there was not a problem with quantity at the shelter, then animal control would have a no kill policy. The fact that they do not is indication that they feel they have no choice but to kill animals because they are unable to secure homes for them and do not have room to house them indefinitely. So you have to ask yourself...if we are already killing hundreds of dogs each year in our local shelters, do we really want to support bringing more puppies in from an out of state mill to sell, instead of first finding homes for the ones that will die? If this couple truly love dogs and want to work at something they love, then why not open a business pampering shelter dogs and make their profit off of the high end accessories and food etc they sold, rather than by the suffering of the breeding stock. I hope that someone at Patch will do some research about mills and about the large number of animals that die in our shelters each year and publish that. That would be journalism. I hope that this man and woman will recognize the sad truths behind what they are doing and change their business concept. Chihuahuas from a rescue would look just as cute in those little cribs and the "seller" and "buyer" could both live with a healthy conscience.

I found it interesting that I posted a question on his FB page simply asking what breeder he used and if it is someone local. I also mentioned to his comment where he said that none of the local shelters were full that often shelters have dogs in foster to prevent them being euthanized while they find a home and he deleted them and blocked me. So I have to ask, Why does this man refuse to answer any questions or allow any comments that maybe the shelters are not as empty as he implies when he had just posted how much he wanted to work with local rescues and shelters etc? What is he afraid of when someone asks something politely without any accusation?

Columbia Patch ...... please run another story on this topic. Please interview folks at the Howard County shelter, speak with rescues. Get a more full picture of the animals in the area looking for homes. Pet stores are a thing of the past ..... many shopping centers will not lease to a compant selling dogs and cats. Petco and Petsmart donot sell dogs and cats - and do just fine. They court the business of the pet adoption community by holding weekly adoption events. Most also give space to a cat rescue to allow some cats awaiting adoption to live in the store. People adopting tend to fill a shopping cart on the way out. And come back over and over.

So, this young couple wants to run a boutique doggy store? That would be a great fit for Columbia, sans the puppies. Add a latte bar and a doggy grooming area (maybe even do-it-yourself) and have adoptions. Rescues and shelters will love you. They will share this sentiment on their facebook pages and websites. Hope this new business does the right thing.

Colyumbia Patch should report again - from another angle. Woof.

I can't believe this idiot actuallyopened up this store. I really thought he would have changed his mind and instead opened a groomer or a pet store. How can anyone that cares about dogs be ok with the fact that they're going to make a profit by bringing more dogs into this world when there are so many getting killed. I have three little dogs- two shih-tzus and a lhasa apso, they ALL came from shelters. There's no reason to buy a puppy from a store so that some jerks can make a profit! Please don't shopt, please adopt your next pet!

Columbia Patch,

This breaks my heart to hear that a few people want to open up a puppy store in town. To be honest, it makes me angry because there are thousands of homeless pets in shelters that are in desperate need of homes. Shelters are running out of space and some shelters might have to start putting animals to sleep. One shelter I know of is in danger of closing. Can you imagine what may happen to all those animals??? Breeders should not breed and people like Mr. & Mrs. C should not support breeders. I hope they get several contacts about this and zero business.

Dogs, cats and humans will be VERY happy if this store closes soon. The sooner the better. All the Sparkys and Fluffys will be very happy if that happens.

Columbia Patch, I hope you, ahem, check in with the person who covered this story and the person that approved it. "USDA-approved" means next to nothing when it comes to animal welfare. No reputable organization that actually cares about the welfare of animals would let a person walk in and out with a dog the same day, at least not nearly as quickly as puppy stores do. No background check with animal control, not even a call to the landlord to verify pet policy to make sure the dog doesn't wind up in a shelter the day the landlord finds out about it. No reputable breeder would let that happen to an animal.

A socially responsible newspaper would at least make note of the euthanasia rates in animal shelters in this country in a story about breeding and selling lives. And this guy, with his bachelor's in geography, how dare he make profit off of something he a) knows next to nothing about, and b) does not nearly care enough about (as proven by the fact that he would even start this business - based on a JOKE - in the first place)

I completely agree %10000 with what everyone on here has said about the ridiculousness of this shop existing where I live and terrible that it's using "charm city" when they aren't even in Baltimore or Baltimore county! This should have been left as a joke between him and his wife! Support your local rescues and shelters!

There is little I can add to the intelligent and well thought-out comments above. It is absolutely guaranteed that the puppies sold in this store are from puppy mills, and as cute as they look, they are virtually guaranteednto come with health problems... not to mention supporting the continued suffering of the breeder dogs left to continue their lives in misery churning out even more over-priced sickly puppies. By the way... tea-cup is the most disgraceful trait bred into dogs in the history of breeding!! Shame on this journalist for showcasing this scam on the public!

This is my comment that was deleted from their Facebook page in only 12 minutes. If only they paid as much attention to doing right by the homeless dogs of the world as they do to squashing respectful discussion of a serious issue. For shame.

"I'm disappointed that you are selling puppies, and even more disappointed that you will delete this comment (as you have done to countless others without grounds). Social media is about voices...and not just yours. Respectful discussion should be embraced and not ignored."

Anybody watching their Facebook page? All the wall posts are positive, they have been deleting anything negative. All the "recommendations" were largely negative, there were 41 a couple of hours ago, now they are gone also. Hmmm.....

This is really disturbing. I am appalled that such a business is allowed to benefit from the disgusting and illegal puppy mills. I suggest everyone with any shred of humanity and respect of animals boycott this store. Adopt a rescue dog or puppy. The adoption fees are cheaper than stores, and above all, you'd be giving a home to an animal that would probably otherwise be euthanized.

As someone who volunteers in animal rescue, I constantly see emails, get calls, read FB updates about homeless animals to be destroyed!!! I would be proud to support a store that showcased only shelter animals and refused to deal with private breeders and puppy mills. Shame on Charm City Puppies for not being so selfish and willfully ignorant. And how disappointing the Patch didn't/doesn't write a piece supporting buying puppies in store. Adopt a shelter animal today!!!!!

Please rethink your business model! There is no need to sell puppies. The supply side of your store should generate enough revenue. Showcase animals for adoption from shelters and rescues.

If you are looking for upscale pet-related items, please shop at The Yuppy Puppy in Old Ellicott City. They do not sell puppies, only merchandise. They got it right!

I am not affiliated with this company at all, just promoting an ethical business.

If anyone is interested in forming a peaceful protest for this store please contact me through my FB animal page - Jericho the Phoenix. We need to let them know that selling puppies is NO way to make a buck. Not in 2012!!

BTW, in my experience with dog breeders, no breeder who was concerned about his/her own reputation would sell a puppy, much less a litter, to a pet shop. Those breeders that are very competitive and have dogs that end up winning the big shows are especially particular about where dogs bearing their kennel name and with their bloodlines end up. Even the dogs in a litter that for one reason or another would not make it as show-dogs are sold or given only to carefully-selected homes.

Shame on these people for selling these puppy mill dogs ! For a small fraction fo the price you can get a dog at a local shelter and keep it from being euthanized. A large percentage of shelter dogs are pedigrees. Also, every breed has a rescue. Don't buy from puppy mill stores. If you saw the conditions from which these animals come from you'd never buy one. Puppy Mills breed misery !

Petfinder.com has pure breds...puppies etc! No need to buy from people who encourage overpopulation and exacerbate the euthanasia problem to make a buck! Charm City Puppies- are you happy making a living on BLOOD MONEY?? I CHALLENGE YOU to spend one hour in a shelter when they are putting PUPPIES to sleep because of people like you! Rethink your business plan or you WILL fail. BTW- I am a successful business owner in the Baltimore area who's business did almost one million in receipts last year...why? Because I do thing the right way..I am a green company who cares about it's community....if you need some tips...I'd love to help you. Seriously.

Please consider adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter. There are many pure bred as well as mixed breed dogs who need a loving home. A boutique like this needs to stick to selling accessories and supplies. Please don't buy a dog from a pet shop. Rescue is the only way to go!

For people who want specific breeds, there are reputable breeders and also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed of dog. The rescues foster dogs before they offer them for adoption so they can provide potential adopters with a good idea of what they can expect. When my Brittany died, I applied to a Brittany rescue group. In addition to written application, my vet was called for a reference, I was interviewed by phone and a volunteer visited my home to interview me in person. I wasn't approved for dog I wanted because my back yard fence wasn't high enough to keep that dog safe (he had jumped fences at foster home). The SPCA also requires a written application, in-person interview, and then they check references. The reason for all this effort is to try to cut down the number of dogs that are euthanized, abandoned or turned in to shelters. That's why people who really care about dogs make sure each of their dogs are placed in a home with people who can handle that dog's specific needs based on his breed, his background and his personality (some dogs need lots of exercise or they get destructive, some rescues should not be in families with small children, etc). The best breeders care about their dogs so much that they require people to promise to return the dog to the breeder if they can't or don't want to keep the dog any more. At the SPCA, staff and volunteers train dogs in basic obedience to make dogs more likely to be kept by the people who adopt them.

While I fully support free enterprise, stores that sell dogs and cats , while their intentions may be good, are supporting puppy mills. Have you ever been around a puppy mill ? They are a hell hole for the Mama dogs, and the puppies are prone to illness.
Please reconsider , unless you only have dogs in your store that come from local rescue groups.

Please do not support this store in any way. There is absolutely no reason to buy a dog from a pet store when shelters and rescue orgs. are full of wonderful puppies and adult dogs of all breeds. Many of these dogs die in shelters every day while people continue to spend upwards of $1000.00 (and often more) to buy a puppy. Stores like Charm City Puppies that sell dogs perpetuate the horrific problem of puppy mills and the cycle of unhealthy, unsound dogs. Please do not be fooled by claims of AKC registration. Many puppy mill puppies are AKC registered. AKC registration tells you nothing about the dog's over all health or the conditions under which the dog was born or raised.

Could you please follow up to see what happens to the dogs that have been sold so far and what will happen to the dogs that are unsold once they are no longer puppies.

FYI according to the Humane Society of the United States
"The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized." www.humanesociety.org
Why would anyone buy a puppy from a store when there are perfectly good dogs available in shelters?
Want to see where the cute little puppies' parents are probably living?
Check out www.prisonersofgreed.org

Anyone who sells animals should spend a day at the shelter and take the heartbreaking job of putting down the throw away pets. I volunteered at my local SPCA. I also worked for a veterinarian, we could always tell when a dog came from a pet store, they always had worms, because they always come from a puppy mill.

With 38 cats and dogs PER MINUTE killed in US shelters, what are stupid people thinking when they BREED and SELL and BUY when millions are being gassed and poisoned. This new greedy "enterprise" is disgusting and immoral!!

Obviously, the Cossentino's don't know what they're talking about. How can they claim that the shelters are not overrun with dogs when the euthanize them everyday. And what award winning breeders are going to sell to a pet store. These are puppy mill dogs. The Cossentino's are not dog lovers like they claim, they are in this to make a quick buck. Adopt your dogs from shelters for about 1/4 of what these people are charging, and please boycott this so called puppy boutique.

I have to agree with the comments above. I can't believe he thinks this is a great enterprise!!! What does happen to the puppies that don't sell? Does he continue to care for them as dogs?? There are so many issues with this business I don't even know where to start!!! My heart breaks for these puppies and their puppy mill moms!!! It is beyond cruel!!

Are you for real? First of all animals, dogs or cats, should NOT be sold in a pet store, it should be a pet supply store only with food, equipment & accessories sold there ONLY. IF you really did your research/due dilligence you would learn (even just from following rescue sites on FB as I do) that many, make that most, FDA approved breeders are puppy mills. Do a PROPER THOROUGH search of the shelters in your area, most likely to discover that they are either HIGH KILL shelters or have a VERY LOW adoption rate. Research how many rescue groups there are in your area, you will be surprised & remember that they are all volunteer run. Whether an animal is confined in a cage or a crib, it is still confined & I wonder how you propose to clean up after the puppies in your fancy cribs. GET REAL. Offer a dedicated area of your store for rescue groups or shelters to hold an adoption event with a number of their homeless pets every weekend, all weekend, alternating between different groups/shelters in your area. I have grown up with dogs as pets & have had pets for over 50 years, I currently have 4 small rescued dogs, am an animal advocate, etc. but I would never dream of opening up a pet store & sell dogs there. Use your degree in a more productive & responsible manner.
ADOPT-DON'T SHOP. DO NOT SUPPORT PUPPY MILLS. Take a trip to these 'responsible breeders' that you have supposedly thoroughly researched, that WILL be an eye opener for you, if you truly love dogs/pets.

Please reconsider about selling. Everytime a dog is sold, another dog dies. Sooo many sweet babies needing homes. Respectfully submitted, go to some shelters, visit some rescue adoptions. Perhaps some reality education will get you more business. There are pure bred dogs needing adopting. I would hate to see protesters outside your new business. It's almost like an abortion clinic because puppies are dying...

Hmmm....their FB page seems to be suspended? No info or pics there like there was yesterday. Wonder what that means. And in all of this discussion, which I wholeheartedly agree with, I have begun to wonder about Total Pets which moved from the Mall up to Gateway near the Costco. I don't recall much ta-doo about that, where do they get their puppies?

Patch and others:

Resource for follow-up article and info about ASPCA petition.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20111220/no-pet-store-puppies-campaign-111221/

I would invite you all to post a recommendation on the new Facebook page, cleverly called 'Charm City Puppies'. https://www.facebook.com/mtdenise?ref=ts#!/pages/Charm-City-Puppies/221794824573172

75 dogs is a small puppy mill and the USDA approves puppy mills. The store Facebook page says they get their dogs, "from award winning breeders". What awards? No NO reputable breeder would ever sell their dogs to pet store. While Charm City's puppies are bedded down in their little cribs, their parents are living lives of unspeakable torture - cramped in small cages stacked one on top of the other, sitting in their own filth and excrement, breeding until they can't anymore, no medical care, no grooming, no exercize, and very very limited human contact.
Reputable breeders check personal references and vet references of their potential buyers. Will Charm City Puppies? They make buyers sign agreements to return the dogs if the adoption doesn't work out. Will Charm City? I doubt it, and I am sure the local shelters will be dealing with all the pups that don't work out for these adopters.

Mary Swift (Mary Swift Photography) took many photos today of cute fuzzy puppies in local shelters and rescues waiting for a home. Love doesn't have to cost $999.00 - the cost of a CCP beagle puppy. Love doesn't have to be pure bred. Pure-of-heart is really what matters. Don't shop, adopt. And let the management of the Columbia Town Center Mall know what you think about a purveyor of puppy mill dogs in their mall. They care what you think.

USDA approved? Are you kidding? 2011 - 2012 is the year for animal rescue. To open an upscaled puppy store would be insane. But maybe this couple would consider donating some of their time at local shelter after so many animals are killed. Yes. Even pedigrees. Pick up their dead bodies from cold slabs. And place them in bags and freezers.

Being in rescue/foster. I got a call from an aco in conn saying they had ridgeback. That got dumped. She is absolutely perfect pedigree. But non the less got dumped. Finding out later the owners paid 2 k for her. But fell on hard times. They then contacted the orig breeder as agreed in contract to take this dog back. Well guess what. The breeder did not want her back bc she had been spayed. So off to AC but I now have this fab girl

Are you nuts??!! 10,000 adoptable pets are euthanized EVERY DAY in this country because there aren't enough homes for all the homeless animals. There is no such thing as a "reputable" breeder. You, and your wife, and your parents should be ashamed!

Don't support breeders and puppy mills. There are SO many wonderful dogs and puppies, of every breed and mix, that are in need of homes. ADOPT instead!!

Ditto.

I know it has all been said, but I want my 'voice' counted as well. Puppies are not products. These are puppy mill dogs no matter how this guy (and the newspaper) wants to promote them. I also agree that the newspaper has been totally irresponsible in their reporting, taking this guy at his word and NOT doing the research. UGH!

Disgusting! Almost ALL puppy mills are USDA licensed so the writer of this article didn't do the research. All the USDA requires is a bare minimum of food, water and a cage just big enough to stand up in. These dogs live outdoors in solitary confinement with no human interaction, toys or blankets. The females are literally bred to death. Remember, NO good breeder would ever sell their puppies to a pet store no matter how "high end" it claims to be. Period.

If you live in Columbia, shop for supplies at Dogs and Company or Bark. They also carry high end merchandise/food and LOVE dogs. They both support rescue group efforts. Please encourage others to do the same.

I whole-heartly echo everyone's comments above. Being part of the rescue community I see how many dogs and cats are killed daily!!! It's heartbreaking and retail "puppy" operations should be put out-of-business!

I am both a part of the rescue community in howard county, owning both a rescued dog and cat. Although I do understand all of your concerns, your concerns should be directed to the owners to see the truth in ANY of your concerns. I tried to quiz the shop when I went in. I am not stupid, and having both trained many animals and volunteering non-stop since as early as I possibly could, this shop is legitimate. They will answer ANY question you ask, and when you are serious about buying an animal they will give you ANY information you wish about the breeder. No they aren't going to give it to people ATTACKING them about it, why waste the breath? They have NOTHING to hide, their sanitation is amazing, and they absolutely care and treat these animals with love and care. They have been extremely specific about where they receive their dogs so that they are not the unhealthy puppy mill pups. Yes, rescuing dogs is amazing, and although some believe it is not necessary to continue to breed pure breds, lets be serious, that will never end. And when these reputable breeders breed their dogs, not every single pup is going to be to their liking. Either they have a crooked tooth or a white colored ear, etc---these "undesirable" yet silly outcomes in a litter are where these breeders aren't disagreeing to give them to THIS specific shop because they do take such good care of them-they even are seen by veterinarians weekly to keep check that they are healthy!

This topic seems to have alot of responses..and rightfully so. Hopefully, the moron who's opening up the shop will read this and understand..He will be put out of business soon enough!! I urge everyone to boycott this person's store.. If you can't understand why.. please see ALLLLL the comments above! <nuff said!>

Reading this article made me cringe. I can't agree more with many of the already posted comments so I don't feel the need to repeat what has already been said. This business certainly will NOT be getting a visit from me or any other individual that respects responsible pet adoption. I would like to emphasize the comments that this business should NOT be selling these "USDA" puppies and instead should focus on selling their products and promoting the adoption of rescue/shelter animals. Even the big "chain" stores know better than to step into the arena of "pure breeds" and instead strongly support their local rescue groups providing shelter space for rescue animals and allowing weekly adoption events to occur inside or in front of the stores. This store's owners should take a lesson from this and realize that they will get A LOT more business and community support if they publicly admit their missteps and begin restructuring their business model.

THE ASPCA link previously provided recommends that people visit the breeder's location to view their facilities etc. so that the buyer is clearly informed about what they are dealing with and can evaluate the source of their puppy.

So what happens to those puppies once they are no longer "puppies"? Once they get too old, how do they deal with the dogs? I would call and ask them myself but the number is disconnected...

Here's some good info: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/facts/pet_store_doublespeak.html

This has served well to illustrate the need for more education in this area. Even for the owners of stores like this one (there are others). They may not even recognize all of the behind the scenes concerns. Hopefully Patch can do a thorough follow-up article not just targeted to this store and engaging a full range of information so that all parties can better understand the issues related to this topic. Looking forward to an article that might serve all of the Patch locations and create a dialogue!

So, if we listen to Karry's logic (which represents the store) then we are led to believe that all reputable breeders end up with a certain percentange of "undesirable" pups that have a crooked tooth, or a funny colored ear [insert favorite quirk here] and are deemed 'unadoptable' by those who choose to go to a breeder for a purebred. This implies that everyone who buys a purebred is looking for perfection. I don't believe that is the case. 'Show dogs' yes, but perfection in a purebred? And if this was the case, that all reputable breeders end up with a percentage of puppies with "undesirable" traits, then we are led to believe that they all have a population that they must 'rid' themselves of. And, it's well known, and even acknowledged by many in the rescue world, that reputable breeders do not sell/give their dogs to pet stores. So, what is happening to all of those "undesirables"? Surely they can't all be making their way into cutesy little shops in nice neighborhoods.~ Nearly all comments and questions posted to their Facebook page were professionally written and worded. I was actually surprised that the tone of the comments/questions stayed so well grounded. I fully expected it to get 'ugly' but it never did. They were not attacked, they were simply questioned by concerned citizens. A GOOD BUSINESS person returns e-mails, provides a correct phone number & replies to legitimate inquiries on their social media sites. An in-person visit is not always feasible for everyone.

It's too bad that no reputable breeders would likely step foot into this conversation because they know they would get harrassed about all of the animals that are killed in shelters each year. Personally I will always adopt rescue animals, just like I will never buy a brand new car and have no desire to buy a brand new home. Putting that aside, this whole situation gives reputable breeders (and yes they will always be around b/c there will always be people that want a purebred) a bad name and implies that they have to 'deal' with this 'issue' in some manner.

I have rescued pets, I would never in a million years pay for a purebred, I volunteer with two local groups - one that does TNR and another that rescues adoptable adults, and I occassionally run dog transports. Regardless of my opinions on rescue animals, I would love to hear comments from some local REPUTABLE breeders. I do not know any breeders, but perhaps someone on here does? Perhaps we can put aside our strong emotions on buying purebreds versus rescuing and have some local rescues confirm that yes indeed they do end up with 'undesirable' puppies and that yes they often sell them to stores at a deep discount?

Lets do something constructive with our disappointment of this store...here is a petition http://www.change.org/petitions/charm-city-puppies-adopt-dont-shop go to that and sign it...it's for Charm City Puppies...and you can also visit Jericho the Phoenix Facebook page and stay tuned for information about a peaceful protest. Lets let them know we WANT them to succeed..but not by making blood money off an already nightmarish problem that a lot of us face on a daily basis. Perhaps if they realize that they would make out better in the long run if they adopt out shelter pups ..because even if they aren't making bank on the puppies they are selling...they are selling lots of other stuff to us animal lovers who will support them just as loudly as we will protest them...if they work WITH us. They are using an OLD mindset of buying puppies in a MODERN society. .. but this bringing more dogs in from other states to a state that has too many already...ain't gonna fly!

Furthermore, I would like to invite Charm City Puppies to contact me if you wish to try and come up with some solutions that we can all live with. We are not trying to "take you down" we are trying to help you see something you don't already see. This will be the best thing for your business, and in hindsight you will be happy this all happened. Please send me a message on Facebook under this name and I would LOVE to sit down and try to work something out. This story CAN have a happy ending :)

Adopt-A-Pet, one of the top adoption sites used for people wanting to find a furry friend:
“No matter how "reputable" you think your local pet store is, they are almost surely getting their puppies and kittens from one of two sources: 1) a "backyard" cat or dog breeder, or 2) a puppy mill.”
http://www.adoptapet.com/

White Pomeranians, a group working to preserve, protect and promote the White Pomeranian
“A registered, reputable Pomeranian Breeder does not sell puppies through pet shops.”
http://www.whitepom.com/white_pom_myth

Our Beagle World, an online forum and resource for Beagles
“No responsible breeder will sell through a pet store.”
http://www.ourbeagleworld.com/forums/health-welfare/56355-designer-beagles.html

Suitable-puppies.com, an online forum for people looking to find a puppy
“A good dog breeder will never sell their puppies through a pet store as they will have no control over who buys their puppies. You will find these breeders are very affectionate towards their puppies and want nothing more than for them to be well cared for and have a responsible owner. This is why they will advertise and sell their puppies directly and not through pet stores.”
http://suitable-puppies.com/pet-store-vs-breeders

Findings from the The West Hollywood Municipal Code
“The homeless pet problem notwithstanding, there are many reputable dog and cat breeders who refuse to sell through pet stores and who work carefully to screen families and ensure good, lifelong matches.”
http://qcode.us/codes/westhollywood/view.php?topic=9-4-9_50-9_50_010&frames=on

The Humane Society of the US
“Marketed as coming from great breeders, well-rehearsed sales tactics keep money flowing to the puppy mill by ensuring that buyers never get to see where the pups actually come from (a vital step in puppy buying). Many of the puppies have serious behavioral and health problems that might not be apparent for months, including medical problems that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, if they are treatable at all. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not even aware that puppy mills exist, so when they buy a pet from a pet store, online or other retail outlet, they are unwittingly supporting this cruel industry.”
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/adopt/tips/top_reasons_adopt.html

Encourage that efforts are also focused on other puppy pet stores that are in our area.

Excellent offer Julianne! Not sure what happened to the post that started off my string, but here is the same sentiment reiterated over and over from some of the largest groups (I could post hundreds more, but these drive home the message):

ASPCA
“Responsible breeders, unlike puppy mills, do not sell their puppies through pet stores because they want to screen potential owners to ensure that the puppies are going to good homes.”
http://www.aspca.org/Pressroom/press-releases/081011.aspx

Partnership for Animal Welfare, based in Washington DC
“Responsible breeders...Do not sell their pups to or through pet stores. Instead, they personally screen and select homes for their puppies, And for those seeking a purebred dog, keep in mind that nearly 30 percent of canines up for adoption at shelters are purebreds.”
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_breedersandpetshops.php

There are some to whom saying 3-4 million pets being killed each year doesn't mean much. It's hard to visualize that number. Here's a good way to visualize it. M&T Bank Stadium (where the Ravens play for you folks who aren't local) holds about 71,000 people. Put a dog or cat in each seat. Now fill 56.3 stadiums full of dogs and cats. That's what's being killed in one year....56 stadiums FULL of dogs/cats that did nothing wrong. Horrible image isn't it!

Dee it is devastating. I think some people CAN comprehend it..but it's easier to look the other way because seeing it..is disturbing. The "ostrich" mentality of "bury your head in the sand and pretend like it's not going on"...I can understand that totally. I would LOVE to bury my head in the sand like some do..I'd be happier..I wouldn't have this sick feeling in my stomach and this aching in my heart over abused animals every day. But if we all do that.. NOTHING CHANGES. If we can all just put our big boy/girl pants on and roll up our sleeves and start knocking down these roadblocks that stand in the way of giving our animals a peaceful and meaningful existence..then it WILL end. (con't)

But not if the majority of the population lets the slack fall on us few (relatively speaking) individuals that use our spare time (that personally I could spend doing many other things..I own a business... have 2 kids, three dogs and a husband) to advocate and fight this fight that people like Charm City Puppies are exacerbating. What you don't understand CCP is that you opening your store is a DIRECT INSULT to us who spend our free time (NOT PAID) to help this problem you are creating! It's a SLAP IN THE FACE. To know that you are starting out a new business in the hopes to make good money (as the reason all businesses are started naturally) while adding to something that I am working on for free...while I COULD be spending time making money for MY OWN BUSINESS...is why I am here. It's why I won't ever stop in my fight against not only your mentality and business practices..but others too. I want to work with you. I can help you. But as of yet..you haven't contacted me. I'd hate for our first meeting to be at our protest. But you have the power to make all this right, to make it stop...right now. You are making one of your first MAJOR business decisions....ask yourself...is it the right one?

What a disgusting display of ignorance. Thousands of puppies die every year in shelters and these people are selling puppy mill puppies???

Maybe these people should watch all the unwanted puppies that enter shelters and come out the back door in plastic trash bags on their way to the dump. Maybe watching a few hundred die will change their minds. I'm willing to bet they don't have the guts.

As a long-time animal activist, I KNOW his puppies are coming from puppy mills, probably from Hunt Corporation or any of the other mid-west mills. And there's always the chance he's getting them from Lancaster, PA...the puppy mill capital of the East. I am active in getting the adult ex-breeders from Lancaster. In fact, this past Saturday, I received 2 small Chihuahua females. One had given birth 7 wks ago, the other 8 wks ago. God only knows how many puppies these 2 girls have produced. Being a 26yr old with a degree in geography, I'm curious to know if this guy has any knowledge as to the diseases these puppies can carry after being shipped great distance on a tractor trailer full of other puppies especially in these cold temperatures. Many do not survive the trip. The bottom line for this guy & all the others is the almighty dollar. Maryland is a pretty progressive state & full of animal lovers. I'm hoping this guy will see the light & consider not selling puppies in the future & show a willingness to work with all the rescue groups who work so diligently to find homes for dogs in their care. We can do so much to promote his business if he stops selling puppies for profit.

How about channeling all of this support to educating our legislators in Annapolis to see about changes in the State of Maryland regarding these stores altogether?

Yes I've shared their site. Agree!

In addition to joining forces with MD Votes For Animals, it's important to know that HSUS puts out a Humane Scorecard which shows how our politicians vote on animal issues. It's my bible at the polls when I vote. You can see for yourself which of our politicans are animal friendly & vote against the many abuses. Here it is:

We encourage you to check out the final Humane Scorecard, a measuring tool that allows citizens to hold lawmakers accountable on critical animal protection issues. You can also read more details on the full range of issues and 2011 outcomes at my Congressional Year in Review for Animals blog entry.

Try this link:

http://www.hslf.org/pdfs/2011-Humane-Scorecard-Final.PDF

Forgive me but I thought that the PATCH website was based on reporting, investigation & journalism's principles & practices. It appears that I was mistaken. The site merely masquerades as a source of news. It is nothing more than superficial advertising! For those people ignorant of professional breeders'
practices let me assure you that breeders would NEVER consign their puppies to anyone other than a purchaser(s) whom they had personally vetted.
.

When does this store open? Has anyone thought of organizing a protest outside, to inform possible customers of the truth behind this matter?

I grew up in Kansas and know all too well the large scale breeders he will be getting his puppies from. Point in fact, if Tony Cossentino wants me to believe these aren't puppymill pups then give me the names and addresses of the kennels he will be buying them from. I will personally go and check them out to see if they are as legitimate as he claims. By the way Mr. Cossentino, I currently am fostering two toy poodles that were bought in Missouri from a reputable breeder that only had over 200 poodles in a barn stacked in cages three to four deep. They too said they were reputable.

Don't breed or buy while shelter pets die. It's as simple as that.

Thank you for sharing this story. Is there a way to connect with you by email?

Hi Debby, my pleasure! You can reach me through my website at any time. http://www.eviealo.com

This store totally depresses me. 4 million companion animals a year are euthanized tor lack of a home. We don't need more puppies sold in stores. I find it hard to believe that any reputable breeder would allow their puppies to be sold from a store and more believable that a puppy mill is involved. You know what shelters are full of - dogs bought from puppy stores and dogs that they weren't able to sell.

My local shelters average euthanasia rate is right around 50% so you are telling me we need to bring in more dogs to share the already depleted homes in this area? Karry, you need to actually go to the place where the puppies will be coming from. Paperwork can be manufactured it doesn't mean anything only when you actually see for yourself how the animals are being treated both mentally and healthwise. Just because you protested in college doesn't make you any expert on this subject. Talking with the very people that are buying these puppies, having them transported to their store, which brings up a whole new issue, and then selling them isn't what I consider legit information. I say again to the people that opened this store, give me names and addresses of the people you buy the puppies from and I will go at my own expense to see the facilities to either corrorborate or show them exactly the type of place those puppies are coming from. By the way, no breeder that is breeding for the betterment of the breed sells puppies to a third party, period.

I have adopted four dogs over the last 42 years from shelter and the SPCA. My last dog a yellow lab was 15 years old when he died. We had him for 11 years. We were his third owners. Great Dog! Great SPCA!

We have been looking to adopt another dog. I go to shelter, spca and rescue sites. Pitbulls, Pitbulls and more Pitbulls. If you want people to visit your sheter or rescue organization, post some photos of other breeds of dogs.

Don't be so restrictive. One rescue wanted an application (fine) vet (also fine )AND friend references (ahhh) , an interview (fine) and the option of a home visit (too intrusive). They wanted me to provide them a nonrefundable adoption fee $400 (say what). After they had accumulated this information they would "match me with the correct dog". If I declined this dog, they got to keep the adoption fee. (no thank you)

I have no desire to adopt a puppy, been there done that on the other hand there is a limit to the amount of review I will allow in my private life simply to adopt a dog.

End result . . . Hubby and I are looking at a sheter in 500 miles away. Huron Valley of Ann Arbor. They have a nice website, a welcoming staff and a reasonable adoption process. Just saying . . .

Carrie - any rescue who wants a non-refundable adoption fee (BEFORE the adoption) and tries to force you to take a particular dog should be avoided at all costs. That is simply a money-making venture and is unreasonable and unethical. However, non-refundable adoption fees AFTER an adoption is standard. Dogs are not shoes that can be returned on a whim. Ethical rescues work hard to match their dogs with the right family. A lot of UNPAID time is spent during the adoption process. Regarding home visits, they are done for several reasons. We don't care what kind of house you live in or what kind of car you drive; however, we do care that you have 25 cats if you told us that you have 2, or 12 dogs if you told us that you have 1. We also care if you have a tree in the backyard with a chain wrapped around it with a doghouse nearby (our dogs are indoor dogs only). We also want to make sure that there are no hazards that you might not be aware of (poisonous plants, a fence that is not secure, etc.). A home visit also gives some one-on-one time where adopters can ask questions they didn't think of earlier, or were embarassed to ask at a public adoption event. I'm sure you've read many hoarding stories - home visits can prevent animals from going into a hoarding situation and expose the hoarder. Bottom line is that home visits are not meant to be intrusive - and shouldn't be. They should take no longer than 15 minutes unless the adopter wants/needs more time.

Recently, two members of ReLove Animals Inc. visited Charm City Puppies. The following includes the facts from that visit.

On February 5 at 11:29 a.m., Tony Cossentino stated in response to The Sun's article ..."As the owner of this store, I would encourage customers who are curious to come in to the store and visit directly. We will gladly set the record straight on any questions you may have about us and our puppies. We might just change your mind about what you think of puppy stores. I will not respond further on this forum because it is too easy for certain individuals to bully us online with unfounded things that they would never say to our faces. None of the opposition has even visited the store to see for themselves, not even the leader. Please search 'Charm City Puppies' on Facebook for more information. Thanks, we love you Charm City!"

We visited the store on Thursday, February 9th. The store is lovely and clean, with a nice variety of products. The puppies were cute and seemed relatively happy in their cribs.

Part 1 (cont)

Hunte???? You do know who they are, right??

Bottom line - boycott these people. They are buying from puppy mills. Google Hunte for the truth about what they do.