That is what the pups were huddled on… and not just pups, either. No solid surface for support -- just look at this poor Mama's splayed paws, and can you imagine how uncomfortable it must have been for her to lie down? The piles in the foreground are feces.

As of 27 September 2011, Silver Lining Kennel and Pic-A-Pet Plus pet stores now also hold Wisconsin license number 268586-DS and have upgraded to become compliant with the minimum Standards of Care specified by Act 90/s.173.41 - WI Dog Sellers Program. These photos and commentary are from June 2008, prior to the passage of Wisconsin Act 90/s.173.41, when Silver Linings was regulated only by the USDA.