Help Break The Chains

My heart just breaks when I see a chained dog.

Dogs are born with pack mentality, they were created to live in packs. Dogs very nature drives them to bind with each other and humans. Imagine being all alone, hour after hour chained in one spot. The same area you eat in, sit in, use the bathroom in, and sleep in. Imagine having to stand in your own waste.

I guess the mentality of some is that dogs are just dogs. That they are some sort of security system for your home. What kind of security are they if they cannot move?

Do I think dogs should only be inside?- no. God did make them so they can survive outside. Dogs have been on this planet for many years. However they have to have adequate shelter and their instincts to get them there. IF they are chained their options are limited. Today in Tallulah, LA there was heavy flooding. In that town many dogs were stranded, displaced and some even drown because they could not escape the water. A local organization called HART went street to street trying to move dogs out of the rising waters. One woman checked street to street to try and save lives. Amazing dedication to animal care.

Why is chaining dogs NOT ok?

• Chained dogs become more aggressive
• Chained dogs are lonely and anxious
• Chained dogs don't get adequate exercise
• Chained dogs hurt under the weight of the chain
• Chained dogs cannot escape severe weather
• Chained dogs tend to have collars embedded as they grow
• Chained dogs get tangled and sometimes cant reach water
• Chained dogs are trapped

There are options to keeping a dog safely outside.

• Fenced yards would be the best choice- costly if you don't have a fence but always the best option.
• Kennels, provided they are large enough for the dog to move freely.
• If you are afraid of escape artists put chicken wire at the base of fencing.
• Even tie outs are better than heavy chains and most tie outs are less than $20.
• Ask for help- many animal rescue organizations can find you help.
• Spay and Neuter!
• Train your dog!

I have had the pleasure of supporting and following Freedom Fences out of Anderson SC and HART- (Helping Animals Reach Tomorrow) based in Louisiana. They spend endless hours and dollars trying to free and save dogs in their communities. Check them out and lend support if you can. Join their fight, their Facebook pages and give if you are financially able. These organizations buy straw, dog houses, fencing, food, toys and water buckets for dogs needing help.

What I have learned from them is that the key is education. Spread the word, be vigilant and report animal abuse to authorities. Help educate other dog owners and lend a hand when you can.

PLEASE always report animal cruelty, neglect and torture.

God bless Man's best friend.

 ~Jenn