The first question I asked Reem Regina Tatar was:  How did you get started in your pet “business”? I put business in quotes because as you will learn, Reem is not at all in business. She started this educational campaign purely to help spread awareness. She’s not earning a dime nor is she raising money as a non-profit. Everything she does is from her heart and soul. Let’s learn more about what inspired her.

RRT: I started my Puppy Mill Awareness news and educational campaign on social media in 2009 to raise awareness about puppy mill dogs after I inadvertently purchased a puppy from unscrupulous husband and wife con artists. As soon as I discovered what puppy mills were, I felt compelled to raise awareness to as many people as possible and spread the word about the dark world of commercial dog breeding and all other breeders that don’t have any regard for animal welfare or health and only come from a place of greed and not compassion.

DRS: Kudos to you for not simply learning and saying “I’ll never do that again” but also realizing that this was the underbelly of the dog breeding world and people needed to know so they could avoid making an inadvertent purchase.

How does your campaign help both animals and people?

RRT: It helps animals by being their voice and advocating on their behalf. It helps humans so they don’t get scammed and can make wiser choices when acquiring a dog.

DRS: What is your relationship with animal rescue?

RRT: I feel very passionately about this cause particularly due to understanding what puppy mills are and how important it is to adopt – not shop. My goal is to spread the word as far and wide as I possibly can.

DRS: Considering how many people follow you on social media, clearly you are making an impact!

Do you have a favorite pet or animal story?

RRT: There are so many to list but my favorite would be when I was a baby, I was in a crib in the back of my parents’ pharmacy and a robber came and threatened us. Our German Shepherd protected my family by catching that guy and stopping him in his tracks. Dogs have been my best friends ever since.

DRS: What an awesome dog! Can you offer any tips to my readers?

RRT: I don’t really run a business – it’s a social media news and educational campaign, so I don’t have professional advice to offer other than “adopt – don’t shop.” Humans and dogs will benefit greatly.

DRS: What’s next up for you? What can we be looking for?

RRT: More news, more education, more awareness!

DRS: Where can we learn more about you and your campaign?

RRT: Puppy Mill Awareness at puppymillawareness.com

DRS: Is there anything else you would like for people to know about you or your business?

RRT: I actually don’t earn a living doing this as it’s a labor of love but I will keep doing this work until I am not able to anymore. Thank you for reading!

DRS: Thank you for the selfless work you do. I always learn something when I stop by any of your social media pages- something in the news that I didn’t know before. You are a gem and I am grateful that you are such a strong voice for animals!

Note: For anyone who is unfamiliar with the term Puppy Mill, here’s a great explanation from the Puppy Mill Awareness page:

A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well being of dogs in their care. Puppy Mill Awareness aims to encourage the public not to buy puppies from pet stores or online and to raise awareness. This page is not funded by any animal rights group and does not receive endorsements.  However, all groups are welcome to share relevant information about puppy mills and, after review, will be posted.