Thank you to Jonathan Charlton, and The Eastern Graphic for making MiraBelle’s story known. As the result of this article, some wonderful people have stepped forward to begin raising the necessary funds to get the surgery for MiraBelle which will allow her to live a normal healthy and full lifespan. We aren’t there yet with 100 per cent of the funds needed, but we are more encouraged that help will be forthcoming and that we will find the surgical team who will excise this rare tumour from her mouth.
More importantly, this article has brought the attention of many to the plight of thousands of animals suffering at the hands of puppy mill breeders who are more concerned with profits than the pets they are breeding in deplorable conditions and selling to unsuspecting buyers. Puppy mill breeders usually breed their females twice a year and usually have five females to one stud male. This by most standards, would be considered a small operation. Most mills produce two litters per year from each female, and they can number into the thousands. They produce, without the care needed for the animals who are breeding, and the offspring are merely chattel to be sold. Not all breeders will do this; reputable pure bred dogs bred in proper environment with honest scruples by the breeders to ensure health, spirt, and the qualities of the breed necessary to offset major issues to the dogs or cats they breed, will have a reputation that they wish to uphold and maintain. Puppy mill breeders will ship their animals world wide, and have a large market of buyers, most of which are unsuspecting or uncaring to the methods used in breeding animals safely or humanely.
MiraBelle was fortunate; we found and rescued her. Most would not be that lucky, and this time of year brings out another host of problems ... holiday gift pets. When the pets grow to their usual standard size, most well intentioned purchasers will face a responsibility with needs to outlive the holiday season and spirit of giving. Popular breeds brought to the attention by the media through movies, etc, will see a surge in sales, only to have these same dogs brought to shelters or cast aside six months later.
Anyone wishing to donate to the MiraBelle Animal Rescue Fund, can do so by calling 969 4949, or at AnimalRescueFundPEI@yahoo.com, or by contacting Ruth at Serendipity in the Down East Mall, at 838-4586 who is coordinating all fund raising donations. The funds will be held in trust until the sum total for surgery is attained. We will update donors as to MiraBelle’s progress in recovery.
MiraBelle Rose Winter was spared once, we remain hopeful that she will be able to get this surgery to excise the tumour which will allow her to enjoy a long and happy life roaming free at the farm in PEI.

Merry Christmas, and thank you.
Virginia Winter and Hannah Winter
on behalf of MiraBelle Rose Winter, Animal Rescue Fund