There are a growing number of puppy mills or puppy brokers posing as animal rescuers. They charge an exorbitant "adoption fee", when in reality they are breeders or brokers selling reject puppies they couldn't sell on their own. They are just trying to turn a quick buck by preying on your good intentions to help a dog in need.

The give away is that they ALWAYS have lots of purebred or designer mix puppies and youngsters, usually under a year old, as opposed to mixed breed or purebred adults and seniors. And they post on the www.petfinder.com  web site without prices for their pups so they can vary that price with each caller.

Here's what to look for in a reputable and legitimate rescue organization -- one that's in it for the dogs or pets only.  (These suggestions might help you buy a pup from a breeder as well.)

1) Are the adoptable animals ALWAYS spayed or neutered PRIOR to adoption with paperwork to prove it? Do they offer health advice, breed advice on health issues or health paperwork with each "adoption?"

2) Are the adoptable animals ALWAYS vaccinated with paperwork to prove it?

3) Are the adoptable animals tested for and free of any treatable health concerns with paperwork to prove it?

4) Are the potential adopters properly screened to assure the new pet is going to a responsible home where it will be cared for and cherished? Will they do a site visit with you and get some references or do they just ship the dogs to anyone sight unseen who has the money?

5) Does the rescue group require you to sign a contract requiring you to contact them with any problems and give the dog back should you no longer be able to keep it? Do they give you a copy?

6) Is the rescue group educating the adopters about the pet's individual needs and the breed specifics, the good, the bad and the ugly? Are they honest about your dog's personality and letting you know that Dachshunds are a tough breed of hunting hound dogs?

7)Did they tell you that wienbers are notoriously hard to housebreak and they are not good with other small furry animals or young children in your household because they will bite when pushed or cornered? Most legit Dachshund rescuers will not adopt to folks without a fenced yard as this breed needs to run nor will they adopt to apartments as the dogs have huge voices.

8) Is the rescue group educating the adopters and public about responsible pet ownership for the ENTIRE life of the dog or pet?

9) Does the rescue group make themselves available to the adopter for post adoption support and advice even when training issues arise later on?

10) What is the success rate of the group? How long have they been in the breed and rescuing this one breed or were they a "past volunteer" of an unknown rescue with vague answers to questions when asked?

11) Is the dog well trained before adoption placement or come as they are? Most legit rescuers can not get in a dog one day and adopt them out the next because the rescuer needs to know that dog's personality before placement and that takes time to know the dog to guarantee they are placing the right dog's personality in the right home.

12) Is the dog as promised after the adoption? Will you be able to return the dog if not as promised?

13) Will they allow inspections of where the pups or dogs live or are you FORCED to meet in a parking lot or pay for shippiing because you are banned from their property? Do they talk about the dog first or the money first?

14) When you inspect do the dogs look happy, healthy and respond well with the rescuers or are they running and hiding because they have been warehoused without training?

15) Are there too many puppies around for sale? Rescuers WILL NEVER breed and have litters of pups as there are too many out there in this breed being horribly overbred for money.

16) Do they maintain a web site with a lot breed education and their contact information so you can always reach them after the adoption if needed?

17) Do they return your communications in a timely and professional manner? Do they make time to answer any questions?

18) Do they maintain a professional relationship with area shelters, past adopters and area vets as well as provide references as needed when asked?

19) Do they get offended when you are trying to check them out and research them? Can you call their vet and get a reference there too if needed?

20) Do they have a kennel license and adhere to all laws pertaining them in the county in which they live?

21)Are you getting the bad vibes?  Run, dont' walk away, and get your dog from someone you trust.

If the rescuer (or breeder) you are working with does not meet or exceed all of the above criteria then there is a good chance they are a puppy mill or dog broker reselling dogs under the guise of being a fake rescue.

The vast majority of rescuers are run by volunteers who don't get paid, but do rescue for the love of the breed. Most rescuers will let someone inspect their home-based rescue when asked even on nights, holidays and weekends if they want to reassure the adopters that they are running a real rescue not just a puppy mil with warehoused dogs.

So please remember that ALL legit rescuers do not EVER increase the pet population by adopting out ANY breedable dogs of any age as we know that pups can be spayed and neutered as small as two pounds safely. Those so-called rescuers who will not spay or neuter their adoptees or give them shots are not real rescuers, but they are in fact dog brokers or resellers so please beware before you make a buying decision.

PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH ON RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS BEFORE BUYING A PUPPY ON THE Petfinder.com WEB SITE OR OTHERS SELLING PUPS.  You can research through the dog rescue through the Better Business Bureau and local police departments for their public records as well as ask around other rescuers if they have a good reputation within the dog world in their area. A bit of time on your part means you will not be scammed by anyoje and end up with a healthy pet.

The last thing you want to do as someone trying to save lives by adopting is to put money in the hands of these puppy brokers trying to take advantage of your good intentions to help a dog in need by posing as a fake shelter or rescuer.

Thanks for reading and researching whom you are doing business with in rescuing your next family member.