"Longing" by Suzanne Lowry $125 (8x10 print $20ea)

Artist's statement: "The Belleville News Democrat recently ran an article that revealed the way that the Missouri puppy mill problem has spilled into neighboring states. A no kill nonprofit kennel in O'Fallon, Illinois, was seeking people to adopt 37 dogs who were the overflow from a Missouri rescue shelter which had already accepted more dogs from a puppy mill than they could house. Many were in poor health and had sores on their feet from walking on chicken wire. Most had been bred for Christmas sales that did not materialize. Some required extensive veterinary care. All were scheduled for destruction. My granddaughter's weekly trips to the pet store to "see puppies" have begun to take on a more somber tone, as I wonder where these little animals originated. Obviously accustomed to walking on wire-bottom cages with little human contact, most are usually sleeping as though they have been tranquilized. The look of longing on the face of this puppy was heartbreaking, as though he had given up hope. The adoption fee for the shelter dogs was $150 to $200, less if they had not required extensive veterinary treatment. The pet shop was charging upwards of $500. It is difficult to understand why more people do not adopt. There are just way too many puppies to go around. Pet shops would buy from reputable breeders, if effective legislation forced the puppy mills out of business." Photography by Artist Suzanne Lowry of Swansea, IL