Financial problems could force the closure of a West Des Moines pet store. Petland was closed for business today; a sign on the front door saying it will reopen in the near future. But a part time Petland employee says there's no way the store is opening anytime soon, if ever again.
Pet loving protesters have been targeting the Petland months; claiming the store is buying sick puppies from puppy mills, and then selling them to customers. But now, Petland could be facing a new problem in the form of financial difficulties.
Coldwater kennels in Greene, Iowa, says Petland owes them more than $15,000 dollars and they have no idea if, and when they might be paid.
Just hours ago, puppies Gertie and Romeo were waiting for an owner at Petland. But when Stewart Myers, a part time employee at Petland, heard the puppies were being shipped back to their breeder, he knew he had to do something.
"If I had a place to do it and money to do it with I'd have brought them all home with me," says Myers.
Stewart took Gertie and Romero home, because Petland is no longer open. The doors were locked Friday morning, with a sign posted on the window saying Petland is "temporarily closed." Stewart says, management told him they would reopen on Monday.
"No. There's no way."
But Stewart says that's impossible. Thursday night, the reptiles left. Friday morning, the puppies and fish were sent back to their breeders. Stewart says right now, there are no pets at Petland.
"If they're saying the store is going to open but we have to have everything out - something's not right."
We called Petland's manager today. She refused to comment and hung up on us. While the future of Petland, and Stewart's paycheck remains uncertain, Stewart says, at least the future of two of its former puppies is safe and sound in his arms.
"If I don't get paid that's fine but at least I'm getting something out of it. I got a couple of pups and I'm trying to help them."
We talked with the owner of Coldwater Kennels, who says he received the rest of the returned Petland puppies Friday afternoon. He says there are about 30 of them, and already, he's found homes for about half of them.
Pet loving protesters have been targeting the Petland months; claiming the store is buying sick puppies from puppy mills, and then selling them to customers. But now, Petland could be facing a new problem in the form of financial difficulties.
Coldwater kennels in Greene, Iowa, says Petland owes them more than $15,000 dollars and they have no idea if, and when they might be paid.
Just hours ago, puppies Gertie and Romeo were waiting for an owner at Petland. But when Stewart Myers, a part time employee at Petland, heard the puppies were being shipped back to their breeder, he knew he had to do something.
"If I had a place to do it and money to do it with I'd have brought them all home with me," says Myers.
Stewart took Gertie and Romero home, because Petland is no longer open. The doors were locked Friday morning, with a sign posted on the window saying Petland is "temporarily closed." Stewart says, management told him they would reopen on Monday.
"No. There's no way."
But Stewart says that's impossible. Thursday night, the reptiles left. Friday morning, the puppies and fish were sent back to their breeders. Stewart says right now, there are no pets at Petland.
"If they're saying the store is going to open but we have to have everything out - something's not right."
We called Petland's manager today. She refused to comment and hung up on us. While the future of Petland, and Stewart's paycheck remains uncertain, Stewart says, at least the future of two of its former puppies is safe and sound in his arms.
"If I don't get paid that's fine but at least I'm getting something out of it. I got a couple of pups and I'm trying to help them."
We talked with the owner of Coldwater Kennels, who says he received the rest of the returned Petland puppies Friday afternoon. He says there are about 30 of them, and already, he's found homes for about half of them.
