Thank you all for your replies. Our dog was the sire of a puppy mill, prior to his adoption. We may spoil him a little, but in our own way, we're trying to make up for whatever happened to him prior to our meeting. His ribs had been broken, and he cringed if he even saw a newspaper at first. Now, he's as loving as could be, and is regaining his confidence! This, from a dog who the vet considers a perfect speciman of his breed, with a multi-champion lineage!
I may chin-chuck animals in stores, but I would NEVER support a puppy mill!!! There are no words to completely describe what I would wish upon the cretins who run them!