It's the holiday season - a time where people are happy and joyful. I'm looking forward to being happy and joyful. I'm looking forward to being "home" for the holidays - my very own home where I'm loved and cherished. So far in my life, I haven't been either. In fact, I've been neglected and abused. I'm a rescued mill dog, and North Shore Animal League America saved my life.

There is no medical care or love in puppy mills. We just work and suffer. We have babies and watch them get taken away - over and over again. Our bodies hurt and our hearts ache. There is no happy, no holidays and worst of all - no home.

I'm in the Animal League's Help Me Heal Program now. I'm safe and will finally get medical and emotional care. The doctors here have diagnosed me with severe, end-stage periodontal disease with ulcerative stomatitis and palatitis. This means that my entire mouth (including the roof of my mouth) has actual ulcers.

I need extensive oral surgery. All of my teeth except my canines will need to be immediately removed. The tissue holding my teeth is too damaged to remove my canine teeth without causing my jaw to break. As you can imagine, dental problems aren't my only issue. I'm afraid. When people approach me, I cower in the corner and hide my face. I have been a victim of cruelty my entire life - and it's hard to remember that I'm safe now. The Animal League is going to help me heal. They are going to give me the surgery I need and they will care for me as I recover. But most of all...they are going to find me a home.

Your support saved me from the puppy mill. Your love will help me get the care I need to be well. Your continued generosity will find me a loving home.

If you are interested in adopting Sugar Plum, please email CassandraF@AnimalLeague.org.