Punxsutawney Phil. Valentines for Chained Dog's Week. 7th-14th. Feb.

Phil, the weather predicting groundhog stands on the shoulder of one of his handlers John Griffiths while looking at other handler Ben Hughes, after the Groundhog Club claimed that Phil did not see his shadow and winter has ended on Groundhog Day, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, in Punxsutawney, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

 

 

Most of us a in the grip of this fierce storm, which is going to continue for several more days, so I don't know how Phil can be so sure about the next six weeks, but I hope he is right.

But in the meantime there are dogs who are suffering and dying in the cold.

"People chain dogs for a variety of reasons, however A.S.K. (All Species Kinship) encourages pet guardians to make their dogs a real part of the family by bringing them inside. Dogs that are unable to be brought in are provided with weekly assistance from A.S.K.

After guardians see their dogs positively interact with A.S.K. volunteers, many start to transition their dogs into inside living; families which cannot enhance their dog's quality of life may decide to relinquish dogs so that they may be rehabilitated and re-homed."

Many cities and states are banning 24/7 chaining;


"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."  http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2011.html

"Join us February 7-14th for Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week. OUR GOAL in our 9th Season is to SEND OUT 17,000 VALENTINES TO CHAINED or PENNED DOGS.
We are striving to raise awareness for chained and penned dogs in a positive way...by delivering Valentines, a brochure and a treat coupon to dogs living outside all over the U.S. and into other countries where we have representation, such as Canada and England."

Nonprofit Seeks Students and Groups to Create 17,000 Valentines for Chained Dogs

“Winter is the best time to reach out to those who chain and pen 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 eight-year-old nonprofit. “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.”

 





Love is...Rescuing a Dog


Love Is...Rescuing a Dog! No more chains for Man's Best Friend.


Blind Delilah  before rescue...dogsdeservebetter.org






 
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2011/01/valentines_for_chained_dogs_011111.html
http://animalnewsinfo.posterous.com/send-a-valentine-to-help-a-chained-dog
http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/have-a-heart-for-chained-dogs-this-valentine-s-day/

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Today:

It is too cold to do anything outside.   When I take the dog boarded in my workshop outside on a retractable leash, she quickly does what she has to do, and leads me right back to the workshop door.  She wants back in!  Funny, her 'Mom' says she doesn't like to be indoors at her regular home, I don't believe it.  But there is a stinky cat box in there.

I hope you and your animals are staying warm today.