January is Unchain a Dog Month. Most of us have encountered dogs that are chained up outside. And it is particularly heartbreaking to see during the deepest freezes of winter and the hottest days of summer. And while some communities have ordinances against leaving pets outside in certain weather conditions, this doesn’t eliminate situations where dogs are left chained outside without shelter year round.
There are organizations that make inroads to creating environments that allow individuals to unchain their dogs. One of those is called Fences for Fido.
According to their website:
“Fences for Fido is an award-winning, non-profit organization that builds donor-funded fences free of charge for families who keep their dogs on chains, tethers and in small enclosures. We also provide:
A warm, insulated dog house
Spay/neuter services
Critical vet care
In the past 10 years, Fences For Fido has unchained over 2000 dogs in NW Oregon, central Oregon and SW Washington!”
There are numerous other ornigazation that take part in getting dogs off of chains through building fences. One of those is Beyond Fences.
Feeling inspired? All of these groups use volunteers, take donations, and encourage individuals to start up their own program. What a great way to start the new year with stories of dogs being able to run freely in their own yards and eliminate the chains that held them down. If you do any work unchaining dogs, please let us know. We’d love to hear your story.