Most of them are poor, ignorant folks, just trying to feed their families. They weren't raised to look at dogs, the way we do. They see dogs, as livestock. Plain and simple. So, that's how the mill dogs are treated, like livestock.
Some farmers take better care of their cows, than others do.
Likewise in the puppy mills of Missouri, the same is true. Some millers take better care of their dogs, than other do. Usually a couple of hundred dollars. To one where we can make a difference. So, if by saving Belle, we have contributed a very small amount to the miller, toward his possible, future, two hundred dollar purchase, well, I guess that is the price we pay, for stopping the cycle.