Dogs Deserve Better!

Dogs Deserve Better is the name of an organization that is an American success story. About five years ago, Tammy Grimes, an amazing activist in Little Rock, Arkansas, decided that she couldn’t stand it anymore. She couldn’t stand the sad faces of dogs chained to doghouses, trees, and all manner of anchor. She had to do something, and she did. She founded Dogs Deserve Better, (DDB) a non-profit organization to help raise awareness of the plight of chained dogs. Tammy is very good at what she does. Now, five years later, she has captured the attention of a nation of dog lovers. She did it by using her creativity, ingenuity and tenacity.
In February, on Valentines Day, Tammy kicks off a campaign to send valentines and biscuits to chained dogs. It’s just one of the many annual campaigns she runs to help these poor animals.
In July, DDB kicks off their “Unchain the Fifty” campaign during which activists from every state will chain themselves to a doghouse, engage in street drama, and distribute literature to help dog owners understand that dogs do not deserve to be chained, they deserve better. Tammy has some powerful Hollywood allies as Robin Williams, Candice Bergen, Jack Hanna, Daisy Fuentes and many more have donated their dog’s collars to help Tammy with her cause.
When I interviewed Tammy for my newest book, we discussed the fact that dogs are social animals. They have a need to be with a “pack” and since we have domesticated dogs, it stands to reason that we are, in fact, their pack. I asked Tammy if this was true. Here’s an excerpt from “Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons? (Adams Media, 2007):
“When I first remove the chains, dogs are often initially shy, frantic for attention, or even fearful which may manifest itself as aggression. This is all due to a lack of socialization and quality human companionship. After little more than a day or two, they begin to integrate with the pack, finding their spot, and it's not long before they recognize me as pack leader. I know this because they 'hang out' wherever I am. In my home, which doubles as the Dogs Deserve Better headquarters and foster training center, we have two fenced areas and two doggie doors. In essence these dogs could be outside all day long if they please, but they rarely are...unless I am. They spend much of the day following me around the house, trying to get me to play with them or interact with them in some way. A lot like my own children!”
Tammy believes that a dog's social neediness is why chaining or penning him for life is truly the worst punishment man can mete out to dogs. As pack animals, they long to be with their family, their pack. Since the pack society of long ago no longer exists, we humans have in essence become their pack, and they suffer terribly when ostracized from us. They've been 'thrown out' of the pack, and they don't know why. They stand looking toward the house, hoping against hope that their human pack members will come out and spend time with them; they act up, barking, whining, digging; or they give up and lay lethargically, not even bothering to show any excitement when a human comes outside.
As pack leaders, humans have to accept the responsibility of dogs who depend on us for their very survival. It's our job to ensure we are firm but loving with our dogs, so they can feel secure in their place in the pack, and we can have harmony in our households. In the wolf pack, a wolf that is kept away from the pack for some transgression panics because his chances of survival in the wild without his family are slim. A lone wolf cannot survive as well as a wolf pack, so it's no wonder a beagle or cocker spaniel who is tied to a tree acts up; he thinks he's doomed.
And many people wonder, if you are going to have a dog chained in the yard, locked up in the garage, or crated all day, why have a dog at all? What’s the point? Most dog lovers want their dogs right where they can see them and enjoy their company. Chained dogs are not effective guard dogs, and they disturb the neighbors. There is just no valid reason to chain a dog. In fact, Palm Beach County has an anti-tethering ordinance that states:
Section 24-D. Animals maintained on a tether must be in an area free of objects that may cause entanglements. All tethers must be a minimum of six (6) feet in length and longer if appropriate for the breed (i.e., Irish Wolfhound, Borzoi, Great Dane, St. Bernard, etc.). Choke type or prong type collars shall be used only while the animal is under the handler’s direction control. Between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, animals shall not be on a tether outdoors. (Amendment August 19, 2003 – Ordinance No. 2003-029) E. Animals must be given appropriate daily exercise.
So what can you do to help Tammy and her efforts to make life better for dogs?
Visit www.dogsdeservebetter.com to learn how to help dogs have a better life. There, you will find handouts, ideas for trolleys and fences, download a power-point slideshow and much more.
I write about this because I want to commemorate Tammy and all the people like her who do amazing things. People like Tammy will probably never win a medal, or an award, or even the recognition she deserves. And now, she is being persecuted for "trespassing" on someone's property to save a dying dog. Prosecuted and persecuted for such a noble deed.
In my opinion, Tammy Deserves Better too.