The Power of One: Dogs Unchained!

Sometimes we forget how much power we as individuals have, so I wanted to share the recent success of a friend of mine with you. Connie D. works for an animal protection non-profit in the area and has been a major animal champion. When hurricane Katrina hit, she spent weeks rescuing dogs and helping them find homes. Recently, Connie took positive action for animals again. Here’s the first part of a letter she wrote:

“[There are two dogs that] live in my neighbor- hood. I drive by them every day on my way to work and on my way home. These 2 dogs are living a miserable life on the end of a chain. They are chained 90% of the time. They are tied up far away from their guardian’s house…and they cannot even reach each other when chained. They are chained up by a covered wire that is only about 5′ long. Their dog houses are made of plywood and have no bedding in them. I have no choice but to drive by these 2 dogs because they are on the route to town from my house. It literally breaks my heart every single day. I have sent letters and brochures on the cruelties of chaining dogs to the guardian with no response. I have offered to take the dogs for a walk on the weekends but again, no response. I have offered to find the dogs a new home but the guardian has refused.”

Connie persisted and was able to get the guardian to agree to allow a chain link fence to be erected on his property. Connie got people to donate money for the cost of the fence, and she, her husband, and the guardian built the fence together. Now she says,

“…when I drive by them every morning and evening and see them together in their enclosure, it does my heart good. AND, the guardian tells me that they’re even sleeping together now! Isn’t that sweet!!!??? This whole process just makes me realize that we can never give up helping the animals. No matter how large the task may seem, we just need to keep trying. Anything is possible!”

It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we’re motivated! Congratulations, Connie!

There are other dogs out there who would love to be unchained. To find out more, check out Unchain Your Dog and Dogs Deserve Better.

Look around at your life and consider where you can enact the power of one!

~ Marsha