Why We're Dedicating This Page to a So-Called "Rescue" That Operates Like a Pet Dealer

At The Canine Corner, our mission is simple: advocate for transparency, compassion, and ethics in animal welfare. That's why we've created this dedicated space—not to point fingers, but to shine a necessary light on an alarming and ongoing trend that is harming both animals and adopters in our New Jersey communities.

We’re talking about what’s known as a “retail rescue” – that are really pet dealers.

These are organizations that present themselves as nonprofit rescues, collecting donations, even if they are nor a compliant charity in NJ, and promoting themselves as saviors of homeless pets. But behind the carefully curated social media posts and “adoption” lies a different reality: the routine purchase/sourcing and interstate shipment of commercially bred puppies—often from the same sources that supply pet stores.

One organization currently at the center of this controversy is Pixies and Paws.

Despite marketing itself as a rescue, Pixies and Paws has imported hundreds of puppies into New Jersey, many of them obtained from high-volume breeders and brokers, including those listed on government and advocacy watchdog reports. These are not stray or abandoned animals pulled from overcrowded shelters—they are purpose-bred puppies, acquired in bulk and transferred across state lines to be “adopted” for fixed fees that closely resemble the purchase prices at retail pet stores.

A Rescue—or a Retail Operation in Disguise?

It’s important to note that Pixies and Paws does, from time to time, pull animals from shelters or take in the occasional breeder-surrendered dog. These cases are often highlighted on social media and adoption listings—likely to lend a sense of legitimacy and compassion to the organization's public image.

But when an estimated 90% or more of the dogs they place are purpose-bred puppies sourced through breeders or brokers, we must ask the hard question:

• If only 10% (give or take) of the animals you place are truly rescued—are you actually a rescue?
• Or are you a pet dealer operating under the guise of one?

This tactic isn’t just misleading—it’s dangerous. It gives the public a false sense of ethical adoption, diverts support away from legitimate rescues, and skirts the regulatory safeguards that govern pet dealers under both New Jersey law and the Animal Welfare Act.

Were You Affected in 2025? We Need Your Help

As part of our ongoing effort to shine a light on unethical rescue practices, we're asking for your voice. If you had an experience with Pixies and Paws in 2025, your story can help expose patterns that may be in violation of New Jersey public health, consumer protection, and animal welfare laws.

We’re looking to hear from individuals who:

• Received a sick dog shortly after adoption or foster placement

• Were given prescription medications (like antibiotics or dewormers) without labels, dosage instructions, or written veterinary orders

• Were denied access to full medical records or Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs)

• Received health records with redacted breeder or without address information

• Were refused appropriate medical or grooming care for a foster animal in need

👉 If any of this happened to you in 2025, please take a moment to fill out this quick form: [INSERT FORM LINK]

Your submission can help us document practices that are not only unacceptable, but possibly illegal under New Jersey law, including violations.

Even if you're unsure whether your experience qualifies, we encourage you to share what happened. Your input may be the missing piece needed to hold organizations accountable and protect future adopters and animals.

Thank you for standing up for truth, transparency, and the well-being of every dog in our care system.