Yesterday my Non-Profit Organization, "Flying Hound Fences," built a spacious habitat for the dogs of 2 different families. It is really the most amazing thing to watch a dog, who has been chained all of his life, breaking into a run for the 1st time, in a new chain-free habitat. It is difficult to understand how people resort to chaining their dogs. One thing I have learned, is that many do not do it maliciously. They just simply don't know any better. They were either brought up that way, or never gave it much thought. The dogs who have lived their lives on chains, are the dirtiest, stinkiest, most pitiful beings, and they are really aggressive, from years of built up, penned up hostility & frustration, from the limitations the chains have placed on them. So it isn't any wonder that their owners think it is a ludicrous idea to bring them inside. It takes a week, sometimes two, to get a dog from that environment, to be clean enough to sleep in your bed. Many baths later, they really can learn to become a house dog. The potty training isn't fun either, and is very time-consuming. If a family who has chained their dog, works a lot of hours, they just don't see the logistics of bringing the dog in. Those of us who sleep with our snoring dogs know, that "they don't know what they are missing." Some dogs have become so aggressive from being chained, that living inside isn't safe. For those that can be given the chance, it's worth the work. I could not sleep knowing my dog was in the cold. Regardless, it will never work for some to bring the dogs inside, and you will never ever get them to see. So the best thing for me at least, is to educate, and try not to judge. Just help. So that is what we did yesterday, and it was great! Have a great week everyone! Adopt/Volunteer/Donate XOXO Donna