The Puppy Mill

By June Debassige

The characters and events in this book are fictional. The individuals, both human and animal, came to life after a turbulent night in dreamland from which I awoke compelled to put pen to paper. The events penned in this story are fiction; however, the focus of the book is based on fact. Puppy mills, puppy barns and animal abuse happen. I cannot condone nor will I apologize for the illicit actions of my fictional characters; however, I can offer this advice: take the decision to purchase a family pet seriously, do your homework and buy from a reputable breeder. If you are not looking for a pure-bred, look at adopting a rescue, and chances are you will find your perfect match.

Newman, the dog on the cover, is real, the non-fiction in a fiction novel. I chose him from the many shelter and abused dogs I have encountered. Newman is one of the lucky ones—he had a real-life champion on his side, and I thank each of you sincerely for that. The reason I chose Newman was simple: his expression, which at first glance you may think it is comical, but there is nothing funny about Newman. That look is terror, a reaction he had when anyone came close to his space. Maybe he anticipated another beating? Newman was rescued by a woman in Florida who used her own time and money to save animals from abuse. She never refused an animal in distress. Kudos to KB.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9780228895718

June Debassige

June grew up in North Bay, Ontario. She is adventurous, curious, and loves to travel. She also enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hunting (along for the walk in the woods, but she only shoots with a camera), scuba diving and being on the open road in their motorhome, where many of her stories were written. As a mother of two, a wife and a career woman, she always had a story to share or advice to give when asked. June retired in 2009 and decided to pursue her desire to write a novel. Of the many things June is passionate about, first and foremost it is her family, which includes the family dog. She loves all animals, but she really loves dogs.

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Copyright © 2023 by June Debassige

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-9570-1 (Hardcover)

978-0-2288-9569-5 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-9571-8 (eBook)

Special thanks to Duke for your support and encouragement.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - The Friendship

Chapter 2 - The Dream

Chapter 3 - Partners 4 Life

Chapter 4 - The Accident

Chapter 5 - The Franchise

Chapter 6 - A Friendly Place To Stay

Chapter 7 - The Plan

Chapter 8 - Batman & Darth Vader Vs The Closs Family

Chapter 9 - Gone Fishin’

Chapter 10 - My Angel

Chapter 11 - A New Beginning

Dedication

About the Author

Chapter 1

The Friendship

Helen Bradshaw held her daughter’s hand as Gilli led the way up the steps to Hillside Public School. This was Gilli Bradshaw’s second year at Hillside, she was excited to see her kindergarten friends again.

Come on mom, she urged. Behind them Jan Samms was holding her daughter Erica’s hand, Erica however was not as exuberant, this was her first day at Hillside, but she was not ready.

Mom let’s go home she pleaded; I don’t want to go to this school.

Jan bent down to try and reassure her little girl, Erica, she said, you have to start sometime so try to get this day behind us and I promise tomorrow, and the next will get easier. Remember how much fun you had in kindergarten, well grade one is going to be even better I promise. Gilli stopped to look back at the two on the steps then pulled away from Helen and went down the steps to where the anxious young girl took her stance.

Standing beside the frightened little girl and in her most calming voice she said, hey I’m Gilli, I’ll show you around, this was my school last year. Erica appeared to ease a little, but she did not offer her name, which did not phase Gilli, she gave the nervous little girl a big hug and said, come on I’ll show you our classroom.

Helen stood beside Jan and watched as the girls interacted, I’m Helen she injected.

Jan responded with her outstretched hand, I’m Jan, we just moved here.

Our daughters seem to be getting to know each other maybe we should too, would you like to go for coffee once we get these two settled in? Helen asked.

I could use that Jan responded, my Erica is not going to make this easy, but I must insist that she stay otherwise tomorrow will be the same struggle, as hard as that is it is best to make her go to class today.

The girls were now holding hands. Erica was smiling shyly as Gilli motioned to the ladies. Come on mom we’re going to be late, Gilli insisted as she and Erica passed the ladies on the steps. Jan and Helen dutifully followed behind the girls.

Gilli knew exactly where to go, over here she said, room five A. Gilli and Erica were still holding hands as Jan bent down to reassure her daughter that everything would be okay.

To her amazement Erica said, I know mom Gilli told me not to worry.

The classroom door was open, just inside stood a pleasant looking young woman. With the gentleness of a trained professional, she ushered the children in. Smiling she waved to the parents letting them know everything was good, she would take over from here. Gilli and Erica entered the room and looked back at the two ladies. Laughing about something only they shared, still holding hands they waved bye each using their free hand. Jan was looking on in amazement tears ran down her cheeks.

Helen put her arm around Jan and said, my Gilli is a bit of a mother hen, she will take care of her, I promise.

I’m okay Jan said, It’s just, well, I have never seen Erica take to anyone like this before.

At 8:50 am the bell rang, the classroom door closed and Miss Page, began roll call. She called out the students’ given name and the student answered with a show of hands.

When she called Erica’s name no one responded, after a few more attempts Miss page called out is Erica Samms here today? Erica slowly put her hand up. Miss Page smiled as she said, so you are Erica.

She was about to say welcome when Erica stammered no, I’m Samms.

Miss Page added yes but I think I should call you Erica.

By this time Samms was struggling to hold back her tears and she quietly said once again no I am Samms.

Gilli saw this and stood up beside her new friend and said, everyone calls her Samms she likes to be called Samms.

Miss Page interrupted, her name is Erica.

By this time Samms was crying and Gilli was in her protective mode, so in the toughest voice a six-year-old could muster she turned to the class and said to all the other students, hey everybody this is my new friend Samms.

The whole class chimed hi Samms. Miss Page looked defeated but knowing how sensitive six-year old’s can be, she said no problem, welcome to Hillside Public school Samms. As a seasoned educator, Miss Page decided to let this pass and get the first week in with her new students. This would give Erica time to get to know her classmates and for them to feel comfortable with her, besides, she thought this would all blow over rather quickly once Erica started making friends.

Jan and Helen were in the school parking lot deciding where to go for coffee, follow me, Helen said as they walked towards their cars, there is a nice little diner just down the street from here, on second thought why not just jump in with me, leave your car here and I can drop you off at your car after coffee.

That would be great. Jan agreed. As they pulled into the parking lot of Danny’s Restaurant Jan told Helen she was feeling almost relieved, thanks to Gilli she could let go of some of her apprehension, some of her fear that Erica was not going to be okay.

Helen reached out and touched Jan’s shoulder, everything will be fine, she assured her new friend.

Inside they were greeted by a pretty girl with a smile that was memorable. Welcome to Danny’s ladies, your server, Anthony, will be right with you, enjoy your breakfast, nice to see you Mrs. Bradshaw, she said directing them to a booth overlooking the waterfront.

That is Frankie, she works part time at the club, serves refreshments from the golf cart, she is worth her weight in gold, Helen said as they slid into their seat. Once again Helen reassured Jan, Gilli and Erica will be giggling loudly and probably being asked by Miss Page to settle in so she can get her class in order.

Helen was right, back in room 5A, Miss Page was taking charge of a troop of six-year old’s, Gilli and Erica were not the only excited participants in the first day of school commotion.

Anthony arrived at their table with a coffee pot in hand, can I interest you nice ladies to a cup of the best coffee in town? His smile wide and his eyes sparkling, how could they refuse?

Yes, please Anthony the two ladies answered together.

Helen suggested a cinnamon roll, just like the coffee, they are the best in town she urged.

Homemade daily Anthony added. Jan nodded to their server who poured the coffee, I’ll be right back with your cinnamon rolls ladies. He left the two ladies who immediately began to get acquainted. They hardly noticed when Anthony returned with their pastry.

My husband Tom started a new job at Bradshaw Burns Law Office, Jan said.

OMG Helen blurted out, this was meant to be, my husband is Robert Bradshaw, senior partner of Bradshaw Burns, what a coincidence. You know this is too weird to pass off, everything is just too convenient. This must be fate, do you believe in fate, it doesn’t matter she said with a laugh, it is what it is and it’s all good. What would you say to dinner at our place on Friday evening? Gilli will be excited to have Erica over and the four of us can get to know each other. The invitation was graciously accepted.

The ladies finished their coffee and headed back to the school parking lot where Jan called out as she drove off, see you Friday Helen nodded and waved as she drove away.

Jan could not wait to tell Tom of today’s events and Helen was just as excited to talk to Robert, which she did the minute he walked through the door. Gilli came bursting into the living room with a smile so wide Robert could see her tonsils.

Dad she shouted, interrupting Helen, sorry mom she said shyly.

It’s okay sweety I know you are excited, why don’t you tell daddy about your new friend, and we will tell him the rest together.

Robert quipped, I can’t say I remember a time when the two most loved girls in my life were this excited, this must be big he said, as he reached out to take in a family hug then sat down to hear all about the exciting events of the day.

Gilli was quick, she squealed, dad I met a new friend today and mom invited them for supper, cool huh dad, with that she said, I have to go dress my baby and feed her, love you dad and off she went to her room to finish dressing her favorite doll.

Helen filled him in on meeting Jan Samms. I really like her she told Robert Gilli was so good with Erica, she went into her motherly mode, immediately welcoming her and making her first day at a new school, well, almost easy, I was so proud of her. I invited them to dinner on Friday. Gilli can’t stop talking about her new best friend. I am sure we have met some special people, I think we are going to be really good friends, Helen said.

Robert acknowledged during the interview I felt a connection to Tom, it felt good he added, like I had known him for years. I am so happy you met Jan and Erica and I am looking forward to our dinner on Friday. You are amazing my love, and beautiful, you always make my busy and hectic days easier, by the way, I love you, he said as he leaned in for a kiss.

The rest of the week went by quickly and with each passing day Helen could see the effect Gilli’s new friend Erica was having on her daughter, it was a positive emotion Helen was feeling. Gilli seemed to have developed a bond with Erica beyond a friendship. Helen saw a sibling relationship developing with Gilli taking on the roll of the protective big sister. Erica appeared to accept this with open arms. Helen’s assumption was confirmed when the Samms family arrived Friday evening.

Gilli ran to the door and opened it with a squeal, come on Samms let’s go to my room follow me. Erica was smiling from ear to ear as she ran past the adults, one step behind Gilli.

Jan looked confused, Samms she questioned, I have never heard anyone call her that.

Erica turned back toward Jan, mom everyone calls me Samms at school and I want to be called Samms now. Can you and daddy call me Samms now too please mommy, please, she begged.

Jan looked at Tom, who shrugged, I guess if that is what you want sweetie we will try.

Yay Samms squealed as she and Gilli tore down the hall toward Gilli’s room. Tom, thinking out loud asked, I wonder where that came from?

Jan too was confused, I don’t know, this is the first I’ve heard of it.

Helen offered an explanation; Gilli had told her about the incident which took place on the first day of school. Honestly, Helen said, I thought Samms was her nickname, you know like we call Gillian, Gilli, so I didn’t think much more of it.

After a few moments Tom said I get it, we have always told her how important it was for her to know her last name. We told her if you are ever in trouble, and you are asking for help you need to tell them your last name so they can find mommy and me. We rehearsed this with her from the time she could talk. Eventually we added our phone number. If you get lost or you are scared it is important to tell someone your name is Samms and give them our phone number. I suppose our little girl was really scared that day. Tom sighed, With a new school, a new teacher and all new surroundings, she did good, she did exactly what we taught her, so Samms it will be until she tells us different. Tom nodded to Jan who added to Tom’s thoughts, looking up to the ceiling she said to no one in particular.

Thank you Gilli, for taking care of our little girl in her time of need. I am not sure I could have convinced her to stay if Gilli had not stepped in and took charge. Helen offered a drink, and they settled in for a chat before dinner. Tom and Robert talked shop while Helen and Jan made arrangements to go on a sightseeing tour of Cranston, of course with shopping included.

Jan told Helen, we will have to make it in a few weeks. Next week, Tom and I will be up to our necks in alligators unpacking and settling into our new home. The movers are coming tomorrow so next week will be a nightmare.

Around the dinner table was a mixture of chatter and giggling from the girls and the customary conversation of adults getting to know each other. All in all, it was a pleasant evening of chit chat.

Gilli and her new friend were excited to get back to playing in her room, mom, she said, can we have our cake now so we can go play? Jan agreed and served Gilli and Samms a generous portion of cake and ice cream which they quickly consumed before disappearing down the hall once again.

Helen offered up coffee or tea, or maybe I can suggest an Irish coffee or a cappuccino with dessert, she asked? Robert and Tom settled for a cappuccino while the ladies decided on Irish coffee with their dessert. Helen went off to get it ready, Jan followed her to the kitchen to offer help. While the ladies were tending to the dessert, the guys discussed and decided to do the cleanup.

Robert smiled as they finished dessert, you and Jan retire to the den with your drink, Tom and I will do the cleanup and join you when we are finished, he said. There was no hesitation with either of the ladies, they picked up their coffee and headed to the other room.

Helen, Jan said, I feel so fortunate to have met you and Gilli that day, I don’t know if Erica, ahh I mean Samms would have gone in if it was not for Gilli.

Helen laughed, yes Gilli is, well, tough but gentle it is hard to explain. She will never allow anyone to walk all over her or take advantage of her, but she would never turn her back on anyone in need. She seems to have a natural sense to evaluate people and situations, it can be scary at times, she is so confident, but I am afraid her judgment may be off one day.

But you know Helen, those two make a great pair, they will enhance each other. Look at the two of them, like the cartoon characters Mutt and Jeff. My Samms is shy and careful while Gilli is outspoken and decisive, Samms is a follower, Gilli a leader and I for one will be more relaxed knowing that Samms is following someone like Gilli. Jan soothed.

Really Jan, I see Samms as a thinker, she evaluates people and situations from a different view, a careful view, which is a good thing. She doesn’t take any situation for granted but she has that ability to see and distinguish between good and evil, she takes her time just as she did with Gilli that day on the school steps, Helen replied. Helen silently compared the two, noting the contradiction in the girl’s appearance to their personalities. Gilli, a tiny little blue-eyed red head with a small voice, shorter and smaller than the other girls her age. She was cute, not at all the look of the spirited little fighter she turned out to be. Samms, in contrast, had dark hair and eyes that were almost black highlighting her dark complexion. She was much taller than Gilli and was of medium build. Samms was a beautiful child, no one would consider her to be anything but confident and strong.

Back in the kitchen the guys were talking shop as they cleared away the dishes. Robert Tom asked, can you tell me a little more about this case and why is it so hushed?

Robert pondered this for a moment and responded. I am glad you asked, I can give you the basics, it is good that we get to talk before you meet with Jim. Monday you will be given all the files and Jim will spend a few days with you to go over where we are with the case. Before he planned his retirement, Alex Stewart was the criminal guru with the firm, he would normally oversee this but since we knew of his retirement, we waited for you to come on board. Jim will get you started. Unfortunately, I have a client coming in on Monday, both Jim and I were going to go through the case with you but since I will not be there it is good that you and I talk, I was hoping to find the opportunity tonight. This may be a first for you, the first time in your career that is, where you take on a case knowing the outcome before it even goes to court. Tom looked confused but listened on. The police will arrest Greer Staggart, aka Gunner, your client, on Wednesday. To people on the outside, the prosecution has an open and shut case however you will win, or at least your client will walk. The client is being tried on trumped-up charges involving a prostitute and a physical altercation, all part of a plan. The guy you are defending is a gun and drug runner for a dangerous gang based in Mexico, one of the original members of the local chapter of the ‘Solamente Cartel,’ here in Cranston. They are responsible for eighty percent of all criminal activity in the area. The organization has become deep rooted in Cranston over the last four years. Steve has chased this gang for years, but they are extremely organized, only a few arrests over the years have been successful. A few months back one of the top members contacted him out of the blue. He tells Steve that he has a girlfriend and a kid, he wants out. Says he will give Steve everything he needs to shut the Cranston and area Solamente cells down in exchange for immunity and witness protection for him, his girl and kid. Cranston police set up a meeting with him, he gave them enough information to convince the department that he had plenty of evidence on each member to make solid arrests on the entire gang. He will also give the names of boarder agents at all 48 Mexico/ USA crossings who are tied to the cartel. He said he would divulge the transport routes through the US/Canadian borders of the drugs and guns. Once they cross the boarder and hit American soil he can give them common routes currently used to transport the merchandise to Canada. Steve knew this was going to be a historical sting operation. The police and the DA’s office devised a plan and asked if we would help. We will go down in history with the police for cleaning up crime in our city; however, no one will ever know about our part in all this, but that is okay as we will know, that is all the recognition we need right?

Tom muttered right.

Robert asked him are you okay with all this because if you are not now is the time to bow out, that is okay too you know?

Tom’s face brightened up, of course I am he said, I am excited and bewildered at the same time, I think this is something I have always wanted to do, like a super sleuth, a hint of danger but worth it for the end result.

Tom, I knew you were right for the firm, welcome aboard my friend. The two hugged like brothers and finished the cleanup before joining the girls.

Tom stood up and announced that it was time to go, he thanked their hosts once more and was about to call Samms.

Robert announced that he and Helen would be at the Samms house Saturday around ten in the morning. We discussed this earlier and decided to roll up our sleeves and pitch in, after all, he said to Tom, eight hands, are much faster than four right.

It looked like Tom was about to protest when Jan sighed, we hate to ask you to do this, really we can…

Helen cut her off mid-sentence to respond, you did not ask us to do this we offered, besides Gilli will keep Samms occupied while the grown-ups tackle the situation.

See you in the morning, Robert said with certainty.

Tom called, Erica come on time to go, no one answered, once again a little louder Tom announced, Erica come on now it’s time to go home, still no response.

He was about to go down the hall to try again when Jan called out, Samms honey we have got to go now come on.

Without hesitation Samms and Gilli appeared in the hallway, okay mom Samms said as she hugged her friend and said bye.

Tom laughed and remarked I guess our little girl is serious about this. Robert, Helen, we can’t thank you enough for everything, we really could use the help tomorrow it will put my mind at ease to have Jan and Samms settled in and of course it will help me relax. I will be so ready for the big meeting on Monday, see you tomorrow, good night, Tom said, as he held the door open for his two favorite girls who both gave a little wave as they were leaving.

Saturday morning Robert, Helen and Gilli stood on the steps of the Samms’ house, before they could reach the doorbell a flash of white came bursting out of the door, Gilli, Samms squealed, and the two girls vanished into the back yard, this time Samms was in the lead.

Jan shaking her head remarked, in all of her six precious years I have never seen her that excited.

Helen replied I see the added enthusiasm with Gilli too it is comical to see them so excited, they remind me of our dog Bugs. Every time we came through the door she would cry, bounce, run in circles and greet each and every one of us with dog kisses, it was like she hadn’t seen us for weeks. That is what Gilli and Samms remind me of, two little puppies who are so happy to be together again after what seemed an eternity to them, she laughed.

You have a dog? Jan asked. I would never have guessed I didn’t see any signs of a dog at your place last night.

Oh, this was my dog. I got Bugs, a six-month-old Brussels Griffon, when I was in college. I went to the local college and lived at home. A girl in my culinary class needed to find a good home for Bugs. She had to return to China and could not complete her program so Bugs needed a new home. My family took Bugs and it proved to be a blessing. My mother developed cancer and passed away in my last year of college. My dad took it so hard. I felt the pain too, but Bugs just kept me going, I had someone to take care of. It wasn’t until the year Gilli was born when we had to put him down that I realized who was taking care of who. We are just about ready to get another dog, Gilli is driving us crazy pushing for a dog so we told her we would go shopping for one soon. Truth is, we spoke to a breeder last week. Her Lhasa Apso was bred last week, we will find out in early October if she is pregnant and when she will deliver her puppies. We were pre-approved and have first pick of the litter, we are going to surprise Gilli and let her pick the one she wants. If all goes well, I think we will bring home a new family member around the end of December or in early January.

Jan sounded thrilled, Gilli is going to be so excited; do you think she will share her puppy with her new best friend? Samms is asking for a dog too, but we have been stalling until we are sure of our future here.

I don’t think, I know, Gilli will be happy to spend time with both of her new best friends Helen said, as she motioned toward the house and the tasks at hand, shall we get started.

Tom and Robert were supervising the two men tasked with unloading the moving van. Meanwhile the girls were in the backyard taking advantage of the swing set left behind by the previous owners. From inside the house Jan and Helen could see the entire backyard and were able to keep an eye on them as they swayed back and forth on the swings. It looked like the two were in a serious conversation, what on earth could two little six-year-old girls be so serious about Jan wondered as she continued filling the cupboards in the kitchen. The girls played on the swings all morning only stopping for an occasional walk or run in the yard and a necessary bathroom break. Jan and Helen were thankful for the uninterrupted time they desperately needed.

Helen, you were right, having Gilli here sure made things easier, Jan said.

Tom and Robert had all three beds set up by the time Helen announced lunch was ready and Robert had the patio furniture ready as Helen had requested. Jan put a tablecloth on the table and placed a heavy basket in the center.

Helen laid a blanket on the grass and called out to the girls, we are having a picnic anyone want to join. Gilli and Samms were on the blanket in a flash both looking like two hungry little chipmunks. Helen set a second basket in the middle, help yourselves she said, there is juice, sandwiches, cheese, chips and of course a chocolate cookie or two for each of you, dig in.

Jan put a tablecloth on the patio table and placed the second picnic basket on it for the adults, I’ll go grab the fellas she said with a smile. During lunch Robert and Tom made plans to tackle the basement next.

Robert pointed to the basement window and said Tom, we could mount the flat screen TV on the wall opposite that window, what do you think?

Tom agreed that would work, then we could set up the pull-out sofa under the window, which makes sense, he concluded. Well, I think we put a huge dent in this job, Tom said.

Jan agreed, by the end of the day our new home will be livable.

Tom nodded, we couldn’t have done this without you three, he said to their new friends.

Jan announced that they would stop for the day at 5 pm. I have ordered Chinese food for everyone it will be delivered around 5:30, is everyone good with that? she asked. Nods came from each one at the table, great she said, let’s get back to work.

The girls were giggling on their blanket, Helen called out you girls can take your time no need to rush but when you are finished, please bring the basket inside, we don’t want to attract any unwanted guests.

Like worms? Gilli inquired.

No like mouses Samms said. Everyone agreed, they didn’t want mouses getting into the basket.

Despite the hard work it was a very pleasant day for both families, they learned a lot about each other. They also observed an extraordinary event happening right before their eyes, a childhood bond that may possibly be unbreakable, one that could last a lifetime.

The Chinese takeout arrived right on time, Tom and Robert had one more picture to hang.

Tom announced, we just finished hanging the last picture, we’re coming. The six exhausted friends, yes Gilli and Samms were tuckered out too from all the running and playing, sat down to eat and rest. The Samms’ were officially moved into their new home in Cranston.

Well, that is it Robert nodded to Tom, my next question is, now that you have no excuses, do you like to golf? Jan gave the look, ‘are you serious?’ Tom replied I don’t know if I like it or not, I really suck at it, but I do it anyway.

Jan added, a lot.

Robert looked to Jan then to Tom and said, that is good, because I do it a lot too. I will get you set up on our corporate membership this week.

The evening wrapped up and the Bradshaw’s headed for home, on the way Robert said, I really like Tom, he is going to be a good fit with the firm.

Helen responded with a quiet nod toward the back seat where Gilli was sound asleep, "I like Jan too and Samms is going to be so good for