From the second largest puppy mill state ( Holmes Cty is Amish Puppy Mill county):
We have received confirmation that two investigative reporters (newspaper and television) will be present to cover this event, and Jenny Jacobs of [font="comic sans ms"]The Columbus Dispatch will be highlighting details of our protest in an upcoming story on "August 25 events for four-legged [/font]
Columbus residents."
As of this moment, the protest is tentatively scheduled to be held at the same location as the Auction (Farmertown Sale Barn in Farmerstown), but based on recommendations received from supporters in Holmes County, we are giving serious consideration to moving this event near the pet store, Berlin Pets - [linkhttp://www.berlinpets.com/]www.berlinpets.com[/link], which is located near the intersection of County Road 77 and State Route 39. As one individual shared with us, "David Hershberger (the owner of Berlin Pets) has his own puppy mill at his home and sells and buys at the Buckeye Dog Auction. He can be a nasty man. I would love to see you put Mr. Hershberger out of business, as he is one of the new generation of Amish and is very money hungry!"
For those of you who may not be aware. Berlin Pets is also part of a group of shops known as Shrocks Amish Farm - [linkhttp://www.amish-r-us.com/Attractions.cfm]http://www.amish-r-us.com/Attractions.cfm[/link]. It's our understanding that this area would provide protesters with safe, legal public parking at Hiland High School - [linkhttp://www.eastholmes.k12.oh.us/hiland/]http://www.eastholmes.k12.oh.us/hiland/[/link] - which is located directly across the street from Shrocks Amish Farm. Most importantly, there is a great deal of local and tourist traffic along State Route 39 (at times described as "bumper to bumper"), which we feel would provide an excellent opportunity to bring awareness and educate consumers about Ohio puppy mills and dog auctions.
We recognize this is a very busy time for folks (graduations, weddings, fundraisers, etc.), so to ensure our next 
rotest is planned strategically and efficiently. please be sure (if you haven't done so already) to RSVP by end of business tomorrow if you are planning to attend this event!
Thanks everyone!
P.S. More details on our protest will be mailed on Tue., August 21, including confirmation of location and information about a t-shirt (designed by supporter Kelly Smith and available FREE to all protesters) and marketing postcard. Both items were introduced by supporters Janelle and Zak Kowall during the HSUS Washington D.C. Conference to help raise awareness of puppy mills and dog auctions in OH. As shared by Janelle:
"Many people really liked the shirts and commented on the design and asked lots of questions. Everyone who asked got a postcard of course, and I managed to hand out many more to passersby as they browsed the exhibits.... the t-shirts were the best advertisements. I was surprised that alot of people really had no idea about the state of puppy mills in Amish country or in general and certainly had no idea about the auctions! It was great to enlighten people."
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Pet Consultant #462
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs (Shure Pets)
[link
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/]http://www.columbustopdogs.com[/link]
[link
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/]http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com[/link]
There are 45 cats and dogs for every person born. Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever get a home. Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever find a home. 800 dogs & cats are KILLED each HOUR in the U.S, because there are not enough homes for them. Opt to adopt. Don't buy from a pet store!
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