Seeking Crafty Kids to Create Canine Valentines
Elementary School Students, Clubs, Groups, and Individuals Needed to Make Valentines for Delivery to Chained Dogs Nationwide
Tipton, PA -- January 06, 2009 -- As Valentine's Day approaches, non-profit organization Dogs Deserve Better is asking for help from dog lovers nationwide in a direct mail outreach campaign 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 of perpetually chained dogs, annually sends Valentines and dog treat coupons to chained canines across the country during its Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week, February 7-14. The group includes a brochure for the dog's caretakers, explaining why the antiquated practice of chaining dogs for their lives 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. Last year's campaign reached 10,435 dogs.By February 5th, the group needs 12,500 Valentines to pair with addresses for chained and penned dogs. Each Valentine should measure no more than 4"x8.5" so that it readily fits into a mailing envelope."The creation of the Valentines is an ideal project for schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations because children have a natural love for animals, especially dogs, and enjoy making art projects," says founder Tamira Thayne, an artist herself. "We receive thousands of heart-touchingly creative Valentines made by schoolchildren each year, sending the dogs good wishes and hopes for a brighter future."Although the practice of 24/7 chaining is pervasive in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas, states and cities have started to pass laws against the practice. California passed a law in 2006 and Texas followed suit in 2007. Hundreds of cities have passed, or are considering, similar legislation. Meanwhile, countless "backyard dogs" are spending yet another winter in the cold. Often, they shiver day and night in leaky, uninsulated doghouses, suffer from thirst because their water is frozen, and pace neurotically from lack of exercise and attention. Perpetually chained dogs can become aggressive or insane from their constant confinement, often posing a danger to people.Dogs Deserve Better provides a variety of services to people who agree to take their dogs off their chains, including providing help with socialization, housetraining, and fencing.For more information about the Valentine's Day outreach, go to
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2009.html or email info@dogsdeservebetter.org.Valentines, addresses and donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 23, Tipton, Pennsylvania 16684. For general information about Dogs Deserve Better go to
www.dogsdeservebetter.org.ENDNote: For hi-resolution photos, please visit the site at
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2009.html.
Mail Valentines and Coupons for Dog Food or Treats to:P.O. Box 23Tipton, Pennsylvania 16684Enter Addresses of Chained Dogs on this form:
Valentines2009Get your Brand New Have a Heart for Chained Dogs 2009 Shirts, Gifts, and other Attire for Yourself or a Loved One!
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Ahhhh..... but alas I get Big Tom to myself. It's another BOYS WEEKEND at the lake. It is so much fun to get Big Tom's undivided attention all to myself. Actually I'm painting a picture without a brush here. Who am I kidding as Big Tom will be working away as I entertain myself with all my lake furry friends who I adore. He works his fanny off down at the lake house trying to complete the newest addition he and Rick built to our little haven. He loves to build and it is his passion that we all admire, support and reap the benefits of.I do talk him into taking breaks and playing a round of frisbee throughout the day together. But for the most part,he works and I get to play with all my furry lake friends. My best buddy at the lake just passed away. He was such a gentle guy, who towered over me as the Great Danes tend to do. Every time I saw him I'd run up and want to rough house with him. Half the time I would manage with my amazing athletic skills to jump up to his neck and playfully bite him. He was older and would tolerate me like no bodies business. His owner just adored him and we all miss him dearly. Here's to friends who have changed the course of our lives and made the journey more enjoyable.
I figured anyone reading my blog is a true animal lover so I had to share this heartwarming story with you even though this blog is about an incredible handsome good looking Boston Terrier. SO therefore, ya gotta meet Molly. She's a grey speckled pony who was abandoned by her owners when Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana . She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled.While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected, and her vet went to LSU for help, but LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case.You know how that goes.But after surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn't seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her. She protected her injured leg. She constantly shifted her weight and didn't overload her good leg. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee, and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there.'This was the right horse and the right owner, Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She's tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain. She made it obvious she understood that she was in trouble The other important factor, according to Moore , is having a truly committed and compliant owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse.Molly's story turns into a parable for life in post-Katrina Louisiana . The little pony gained weight, and her mane finally felt a comb. A human prosthesis designer built her a leg.The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, Allison Barca DVM, Molly's regular vet, reports.And she asks for it. She will put her little limb out, and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off too. And sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. 'It can be pretty bad when you can't catch a three-legged horse,' she laughs.Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. 
Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people, and she had a good time doing it.'It's obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life, Moore said. She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others.'Barca concluded, 'She' s not back to normal, but she's going to be better. To me, she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself. This is Molly's most recent prosthesis. With a will there is a way always.
They all have to snuggle me everyday and play with me endlessly. Oh but life is good........let's not forget about all the other dogs I share my blog with and give them a loving home.
The bone sniper waits so patiently for any chance to steal any bone I am chewing on. She constantly tries to lull me into a false sense of security to seize the moment and snag my bone away. I have long ago figured out this strategic maneuver. I enjoy playing along knowing it is torturing the poor restless soul. They say the Jack Russell has superior intelligence but alas meet the Mensa breed: Boston Terrier. CHECKMATE!!! However I have to admit when it comes to food she is terrifying.I'll have to post a picture of her snaring at me baring her teeth. I lose sleep over this very image.
I applaud Build A Bear in St. Louis for stepping up to the plate and helping out animals in the area. Two members of my family worked there over a summer one year and loved the company. Way to go Build A Bear and all the other businesses out there who reach out to animal charities. Carol House Furniture for years have been helping out animals as well.
