Rascal the red BostonTerrier enjoys bright summer days, ice cream and dog bone treats, and long walks in the park. Here he is at a Mutt March fund-raiser, posing for photos and showing off his new bandanna.

       Rascal originally was rescued from a dumpster at a puppy mill auction in Missouri.

       Yes, that's right, this little pup was thrown away with the concession stand trash! Apparently, he didn't sell that day and his liver coloring, which would disqualify him for show by AKC breed standards, made him "useless" for breeding.

       Says Denise, Rascal's Mom: "We adopted him at 4 months old. He was afraid to ride in the car, afraid of people and afraid of just about anything that said boo in the night. I am proud to say he is more confident and willing to meet people."

       She also tells us, "If no one has every fostered a puppy mill dog, they really should. It is an experience beyond words."

       As for Rascal--he has found a wonderful Forever Home with Denise, walks proudly through crowds, "mentors" new fosters in the household — and garners compliments wherever he goes because of his gorgeous coloring!

WPMP Undercover at the Thorp Dog Auction

An Eyewitness Account of a Puppy Mill Auction

A Breeder Describes a Puppy Mill Auction

Upfront View of a Puppy Mill Auction

Exactly what does AKC, UKC, or breed registration really mean?