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| Photo by Dogs Deserve Better |
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Does the sight of a chained dog break your heart? You and your kids can help chained dogs this Valentine's Day thanks to Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to ending the practice of perpetually chaining dogs.
Each year, the group sends Valentine's Day cards and dog treat coupons to chained canines across the country during its Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week. The group includes a brochure for the dog's caretakers, explaining why the practice of continuously chaining dogs is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home or to find better homes for the animals.
Last year's campaign reached out to 10,435 dogs. This year, the group hopes to reach 12,500 dogs.
How You Can Help
Check out the green box below for suggestions on how to make doggy valentines, mail coupons to dogs, submit addresses of chained dogs, and more. Also, visit the Dogs Deserve Better website to see what others have done to help.
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Take Action for
Chained Dogs |
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1. Get Crafty
Making valentines for chained dogs is a great project for kids! Visit DogsDeserveBetter.org to see what volunteers have created in the past. Hurry—the deadline for submitting valentines is Feb. 5.
2. Address the Problem
Know a penned or chained dog who could use a valentine? Visit the Dogs Deserve Better website and submit the address of a chained or penned dog in your neighborhood by Feb. 5. Don't worry—your information will remain anonymous.
3. Send in Your Coupons
In addition to a valentine, each dog will receive a coupon for free or discounted dog treats or food. Make sure your coupons go to good use—mail them to Dogs Deserve Better by Feb. 5.
4. Sponsor Valentines
The cost of this campaign is quite high due to material and mailing fees. You can either sponsor valentines for addresses you provide, or sponsor valentines for others who provide addresses.
5. Download Your Free Kit
Download a free copy of "The Guide to a Dog's Life: Chaining and Your Community," a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to pass an anti-chaining ordinance in your area—and start helping dogs now! |
Get Others Involved
"The creation of the valentines is an ideal project for schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations because children have a natural love for animals, especially dogs, and enjoy making art projects," said founder Tamira Thayne, an artist herself. "We receive thousands of heart-touchingly creative valentines made by school children each year, sending the dogs good wishes and hopes for a brighter future."
By the end of January, the group needs 12,500 valentines to pair with addresses for chained and penned dogs.
Why Chaining Hurts Dogs
As social animals, dogs need to have regular interactions with their family. Dogs who are left chained up in the yard experience boredom, loneliness and isolation, which eventually lead to territorial and aggressive behaviors.
Countless communities across the U.S. have enacted ordinances to address the issues related to dog chaining.
The HSUS encourages you to download a free kit to help chained dogs in your neighborhood. If you want to help ensure that pooches in your community live inside with their families, download a free copy of "The Guide to a Dog's Life: Chaining and Your Community," a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to pass an anti-chaining ordinance in your area—and start helping dogs now!
