January is Unchain a Dog Month!

This one almost got past me, so here's some info to get everyone started on helping a chained dog!

The Mutts comic above is one of my favorites--no matter how many times I read it, I still get a little misty-eyed. It's a very simple portrayal of how little it takes to make a best friend for life. Chaining/tethering/penning or whatever you call it is the most prevalent form of neglect. And to make matters worse, it is not even viewed as neglect and is commonly accepted (i.e.--not against the law!). Do I want to chain the owners outside in severe weather for days on end without food, water, shelter, or contact with another living being? Yes I do. More than anything in the world. Unfortunately, that would be against the law. So, we must instead attempt to educate the owners and intervene on the dogs' behalf.

Information is readily available all over the internet. HSUS, PETA, Unchain Your Dogs, and Dogs Deserve Better provide numerous resources, printable materials, and tips for intervening on a dog's behalf. I especially like the Dogs Deserve Better mini-billboard yard sign.




To the left is Ranger, one of our local chained, neglected dog success stories. You may have seen him featured in the blog in the past. When he came to the shelter, he was severly emaciated and malnourished to the point that his hair was falling out. He seemed barely able to walk and had skin infections and a multitude of intestinal parasites. To the right is Ranger today, after being spoiled by everyone at the shelter and then being adopted into a great home where he is treated like a member of the family. Ranger is a very resilient dog, as many dogs in his situation go insane from isolation.



Please resolve to make a difference in the life of a chained dog this year!