National Organization Sends Valentines to Dog Owners

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and people are not the only ones who need some love! 

Dogs Deserve Better, a national organization that works toward freeing all dogs from being chained or penned all day in yards, is celebrating "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week," Feb. 7-14.

They collected valentines to distribute to owners who don't understand why it's cruel and dangerous to leave a dog chained up and isolated all day, away from people and other dogs. The valentines, most written and drawn by children, are supposed to be given to the dogs as a loving gesture to show they are not forgotten or unloved.

Dogs Deserve Better has spread across the country and is changing laws to stop chaining and penning. One amazing thing about this organization is their new headquarters is located at the Good Newz Rehab Center in Smithfield, Va. That is Michael Vick's Old Compound, where dozens of pit bulls were rescued a few years ago!

It went into foreclosure and was bought by this compassionate group of rescuers. The new address is 1915 Moonlight Road, Smithfield, Va. 23430. Their new phone is 757-357-9292. Check out the rescued dogs available across the country.

Save-a-Pet in Grayslake also has 2012 "Hearts for Hearts" Virtual Valentine Giving Campaign that represent actual needs of the dogs and cats at their shelter. Contributions help provide food, medical care and healing for the rescued pets at the no-kill shelter.

Truman's Story: 

I am 9 years old, and I spent years with my family inside and I was a happy guy. I had a fenced-in yard and a canine buddy to run around and be silly.

Then a move to a new home without a fenced-in play yard and allergies of their son meant I was now no longer able to stay inside the house. I was either now spending my time in the yard (but I would sometimes run through the electric fence) or in the garage.

I got very sad and started to stress out because all I wanted was to be inside the house with them. I got some hot spots and even started chewing on my tail. I could also sense they were close by and would bark in order to get their attention.

I know sit, down and paw and love playing fetch although my favorite thing is really spending time with my family. I am great with kids, even small ones but can sometimes topple them over in my eagerness. I would be perfect for an active family that would love to have me tag along when they are out and about.  

You can also click HERE to make a wish for me, and a small donation to help Save-A-Pet care for me until I find my 4EVER Home. For example: $1 actually feeds me for an entire day. $7 feeds me for a whole week. $12 pays for my heartworm prevention medicine for a whole month and will help keep me healthy until someone takes me home!

I appreciate whatever you can give to help Save-A-Pet take care of me! Thank you so much, and I hope we can meet soon!

- Information compiled by Barbara Cooke

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