Tipton, PA -- January 12, 2010 -- With Valentine’s Day approaching, nonprofit
Dogs Deserve Better is asking for help from dog lovers in an unique
direct mail outreach which pairs Valentines created by schoolchildren with
America's chained dogs.
Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to
ending the suffering endured by chained dogs, annually sends Valentines
and dog treat coupons to canines across the country. The group includes a
brochure for the dog’s caretakers, explaining why the practice of chaining
dogs for life is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring
their dogs into the home and family or to find better homes for the animals.
By the end of January, the group
needs 15,000 addresses of perpetually-chained or penned dogs,
volunteers to make the Valentines, and donations of coupons for
dog treats or dog food.
“Winter is a critical time to reach out directly to the people who
chain their dogs, and what better excuse than Valentine’s Day to
send these forgotten animals a little love,” says Tamira Thayne,
founder and director of the seven-year-old non-profit. “Every
winter our rescuers see dogs that have frozen in the snow, suffered
frostbite, or otherwise endured horrific living conditions because
of the longstanding misperception that it is ok to chain a dog outside
in any kind of weather.”
“This is the perfect opportunity for people who pass chained dogs every day but feel powerless to help
them to make a difference,” continues Thayne. “People can anonymously provide us with the addresses of
these dogs, or make us a batch of Valentines, and we'll do the rest.”
The creation of the Valentines is an ideal project for schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations.
“Children have a natural affinity for animals and they enjoy making art projects,” says Thayne, an
artist herself. "In this way we remind children of proper caretaking, and educate guardians as well."
Although the practice of 24/7 chaining is pervasive in many parts of the country, states and cities have
started to pass laws against the practice. So far four states have passed limitations on chaining: California,
Texas, Connecticut, and Nevada. Hundreds of cities and counties have passed limitations or flat-out
bans.
Meanwhile, countless backyard dogs are spending yet another winter in the cold. Often, they shiver day and night
in hole-ridden doghouses, suffer from thirst because their water is frozen, and pace neurotically from lack of exercise
and attention. Perpetually chained dogs often become aggressive from their constant confinement, thereby
posing a danger to people, especially small children.
For more information about the Valentine’s Day outreach, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.
email: info@dogsdeservebetter.org.
Valentines (sized at 4"x 8" max preferred due to postal regulations), addresses and donations for the campaign
can be sent to: P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684. For general information about Dogs Deserve Better go to www.
dogsdeservebetter.org.