Chained Dogs on Valentine's Day and All Year - HAPPY VALENTINES TO ALL!!!

Thousands of family dogs in America spend their lives tied to chains. Although there are laws in some states and communities restricting chaining and tethering, each winter, dogs are found by rescuers frozen in the snow, suffering from frostbite and enduring unlivable conditions. In the hot sun they fare no better when they often go thirsty and are susceptible to heat stroke. And besides harsh weather, dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction with people. Continuously chaining a dog leads to loneliness, boredom, frustration and often times aggression.

For these reasons, Feb. 7 to 14 has been designated as the annual "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week" by Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to freeing and helping chained dogs. Each year DDB sponsors activities that the public can participate in to help chained dogs. The following are ways you can help on Valentine's Day and any other day of the year.