There are many today who are breathing a sigh of relief – not for themselves, but for the welfare of dozens of dogs. And there are others who are witnessing firsthand the heartbreaking effects of the previous callous, inhumane treatment of those same dogs. This is a time for victory celebrations, for a Companion Animals Protection Society mission successfully accomplished, and for the sweet scent of freedom these dogs now enjoy thanks to Almost Home Foundation. Puppy Parlor Pet Shop in Lisle, IL with it’s back room puppy mill, has closed it’s doors and handed 35 dogs over to the rescue.
![]() |
Image Credit: Dianne Arp, CAPS |
![]() |
Congratulations to all the CAPS volunteers who gave of their time! Photo credit: Ida McCarthy, CAPS |
![]() |
Rita Pereira and Dianne Arp, dedicated CAPS volunteers Photo credit: Ida McCarthy, CAPS |
Armed with information from CAPS investigations of the puppy mills that the Puppy Parlor purchased puppies from, in addition to publicly available details of previous Department of Agriculture inspection reports, these volunteers repeatedly beseeched the town board of Lisle. Presented to the board were successful results of nearby towns that have enacted bans on the sale of puppies within their boundaries, as well as all the evidence of this business’ behavior. Repeatedly, Lisle board members chose to reject all suggestions.
March 4, 2013 Village of Lisle Board Meeting;
Fast-forward to 49.00 to see Dianne Arp of CAPS speak
In May of 2013, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) published a list of the 100 worst puppy mills in this country. Puppy Parlor was among them.
Still, hopes were dashed. Time went on and hearts ached for the dogs who were heard but never seen. Tammy Coglianese, owner of Puppy Parlor, lashed out at the demonstrators – repeatedly filing false police reports, hurtling accusations and insults at them, even having one volunteer arrested on false charges.
![]() |
Photo Credit: Almost Home Foundation |
They say karma works wonders. I doubt any of the CAPS volunteers would argue that now. Puppy Parlor’s doors are closed, there is no longer a business in Lisle selling puppy mill (or back room bred) dogs…and 35 of the dogs that lived a hellish existence in that building are now in the caring, trustworthy hands of Almost Home Foundation foster homes.
![]() |
Magic Mint – available from Almost Home Foundation |
I personally am cheering for Lady Karma right now – not only grateful that these dogs have a bright future, but also that two of my favorite organizations have been brought together by Fate. CAPS fought the good fight (and then some!) and AHF picks up the torch from here.
Yay for the dogs who now know freedom, walkies in the sun and grass, and loving arms!
And, yes… good riddance, Puppy Parlor.
I’d like to put the owners of those Puppy Mills in small dark cages in back rooms … then throw away the key.
I think we know of a few people who’d help you!
Wow, that is a great story! So awesome of those volunteers, and the puppies now have a chance.
All the volunteers involved have “gone beyond the call of duty” so to speak – but that’s what it’s taken to remove the dogs and then to guide them on their way in this world that’s so new to them.
Wow Kim that was such a great blog! It was fun to see all the people talk again at the meeting. Shame shame shame on the city council. Thank you Kim 🙂
Thank you, Ida! That was a long road, wasn’t it?! Yes, big shame on those on the board – and the mayor – for turning their heads when they could have done something to help those poor dogs. To you, and all the kind souls who gave up their time to stand out in front of that store and defend dogs who are now proving their worthiness — huge thanks to you!
Yay for those volunteers, but mostly yay for those dogs! It’s a step in the right direction, now if we could only get all stores to stop selling!
And I’m with Wendy, I’ll hold the door open while she shoves them in. Or vice versa.
Yes, Jodi! Oh, for the day when NO stores support puppy mills!
You’re more than welcome to join the team 😉
I volunteer with AHF, and I’ve got to personally meet some of the pet store dogs. They are so sweet. A lot of them started out very timid because they haven’t had much experience being around people, and they didn’t even get to interact with the other dogs at the petstore because they were always in cages. It is fun to watch them come out of their shells and enjoy being petted, cuddled, and playing!