It breaks my heart to see a dog on a chain. It makes me wonder why their people even have a dog. To be tied up and alone 24/7, what kind of life is that for a dog? Most dogs that are chained get very little love and attention. They see their people briefly maybe once or twice a day when they are (hopefully) brought food and water.

Chained dogs cannot run if attacked by other animals. Their living area usually becomes a muddy mess in a rain. The dogs themselves become dirty and smelly, making them less desirable to pet and interact with, making them even lonelier. They live in what ever extremes the weather can bring.

A chained dog can become a dangerous dog. They are afraid and defensive, a very dangerous combination. The Dogs Deserve Better website states, “Chaining is not only inhumane for dogs, but has taken a severe toll on this nation’s children as well. In the period from October 2003 through January 2008, there were at least 196 children killed or seriously injured by chained dogs across the country.”

Dogs are our fellow Earthlings. They deserve respect just like any living creature, including humans. If you have a dog on a chain I encourage you to please take steps to act responsibly toward your pet. Get rid of that chain. Fence in your yard or put up a kennel enclosure where your dog can spend a few hours a day in safe environment. Another alternative is Invisible Fencing. You dog can be free to roam and will stay in the area that you designate. I think you’ll be surprised at the change in your dogs’ attitude. Heck, you might even start to like him & actually spend time with him. Take him for walks. It will do you both good. I guarantee he’ll be happier and I’ll bet you will too.

I encourage everyone to visit the organization called Dogs Deserve Better. Read about the rescue of Doogie, a dog that was chained and left to die. Learn how you can help Doogies’ rescuer and founder of Dogs Deserve Better, Tammy Grimes. She was arrested after rescuing and providing medical care to Doogie.

Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, was arrested September 11, 2006 for helping a dying chained dog named Doogie who could not stand… Read & see the rest of Doogie and Tammy’s story