Break the Chain

Life on a chain can be a very lonely one. Dogs are very social animals and when they live on a chain they are isolated and many times forgotten. Many dogs that are chained are not provided clean drinking water and adequate food. Life on a chain is living in misery.

Whenever Red Lake Rosie's Rescue has a chance to spread the word to residents about chaining animals, we do. Classroom presentations always stress the importance of quality of life and ending the cruel chaining that goes on. When I visit people, I always say, “The best way to ruin a good dog is to chain them.” Some people say, this breed is supposed to be chained. I tell them the truth about chaining and why they should stop the practice.

As I went around the rez and it was very hot this past week, NO ONE that I visited had a water source for the animals. I delivered pails and had a water jug. The animals drank, and drank, and drank- all were dehydrated and the temps had soared to over 90 degrees!! The chained animals I saw had NOTHING and no way to look for water or food either. 

ARNOLD

Arnold, a black labbie, lived on a chain before he was surrendered in June- He was malnourished, dehydrated and had mange. He is now healed and happy.

GINGER, MINNIE, OREO

Oreo lived on a chain and came to RLRR after the August clinic. Oero had dehydration, malnourishment and mange. The owner said she was aggressive. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Now that she is off the chain, her real personality can come out. She is friendly, happy, and social.

Ginger lived on a chain and came to RLRR after the August clinic. Ginger had malnourishment, dehydration, one eye put out, and a wound on her side. In a short time, Ginger is healing and off to a foster home.

These are just the recent stories of chained animals. They have so much fun at the shelter romping, running, and playing with one another.

Once the spirit is free, then the healing can began. If you chain your dog, please think about the feeling you might have if you were on a chain. Let’s stop the practice of chaining!

Karen

A special thanks to our friend Benay for the student-generated posters on chaining. I use them in the classroom when we discus the chaining of dogs.