Getting Dogs Off Chains

Dear Friends to animals,

If you have followed Guardians of Rescue’s work, you know that we come to the aid of animals trapped in all kinds of serious trouble. From hoarders to puppy mills, from natural disasters to soldiers’ pets in danger of being left behind in hostile territories, we do whatever it takes to get the animals safe, healthy and happy. One thing that we do non-stop is to get dogs off chains and into a livable situation.

Sadly, all across this country, hidden away in backyards, side yards and publicly invisible prisons, countless dogs languish confined in cold heavy chains and tethers, left to waste their lives alone and mostly forgotten. In the summer, they often have no way to escape the brutal Sun and heat, and in the Winter, they freeze and shiver endlessly with little or no protection from the element or comfort of any kind. Not all will survive these extremes of weather and temperature. Something has to be done, and we do it. If we can’t persuade the “owners” to bring the dogs inside to be real family members, and if we can’t get them surrendered to us for rehoming, we make sure they have a secure fenced area which gets them off their chains, and insulated doghouses where they can retreat form weather and get a secure and comfy den. It’s not a perfect solution, but it greatly improves their lives, and we keep tabs on “our” dogs to make sure they stay ok.

Last Fall, Guardians of Rescue worked with Philadelphia animal advocates to create a program that installs insulated houses for previously-chained dogs during the winter. After Guardians launched this life-saving venture, the baton was passed to local advocates to continue the good work. 

Our hearts are still with the dogs in the Philly area so we recently went back to check on some of our “clients”. Working with other organizations, we helped install sunshades to keep them cool in scorching temperatures. These dogs went from being chained in despair, to living in a clean, secure kennel of their own, that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

This is part of what you make possible when you donate—any amount—to these appeals for help. When you do, you are a real part of making life better for forgotten chained dogs who would still be suffering without us all.

Thanks for your continued support of this life-saving mission of mercy, because there’s only one way this all happens...

Together we save them,

All of Us at Guardians of Rescue

Links:

• Guardians Website

When you have a job that is never completed—and will never be done—you have to stay energized and inspired by what you have been able to do. With the help of our supporters like you, our Team and volunteers have improved the lives of countless animals who, for a variety of reasons, do not have a warm, safe loving home into which they can retreat from the elements and loneliness.

Sometimes they are dogs kept outside as guard dogs, who are just there in a backyard to bark and scare off intruders in dangerous neighborhoods. Sometimes they are just victims of indifference by humans who seem—wrongly— to think that dogs and cats have super powers which make them immune to freezing cold and burning temperatures.

Sometimes they are feral cats, born and raised without human socialization, not candidates for human companions but desperately in need of human assistance for survival.

In all these instances, and in every variation of neglect and lack of care, Guardians is there, as much as our resources allow, to make lives better, if not perfect. Sometimes we are able to educate and persuade delinquent pet "owners" to allow the dogs inside as family members. Sometimes we are able to get the dogs surrendered and placed into good, loving homes. If we can't, a securely fenced run or yard gets them off chains and tethers, while cozy, insulated doghouses give them a refuge from all kinds of hostile weather conditions. If they need food, warm winter coats or neglected vet care, we help with that, too

When we are tired or discouraged we have to think about our successes, but mostly we take comfort in knowing we are not alone in this endless task. There's a good reason that our motto is Together We Save Them. There is just no way we could perservere without the support and good will of our supporters. In an important sense, you are there with us as we look for animals in need and work building and installing fences, doghouses, feral cat shelters and feeding stations. We are willing to drive the bus, but you are the fuel that keeps it moving forward.

Most recently, we are also grateful for the help of Kevan Cleary and SoupBone Charities who made a number of these projects possible. They joined our supporters like you in bringing comfort and hope to so many animals in need of friends. Together, we are a powerful force for suffering animals.

We wish you could see in person the wagging tails and the cozy, relieved naps of the dogs and cats we have helped together. Just know that they are so much better off because of you.. We thank you on their behalf and ours—and repeat what is true every day—

Together we save them,

Guardians of Rescue

Links:

• Guardians Website