The animal welfare sector is comprised of many volunteer organisations. One special one working in the Oregon and Washington area is Fences for Fido.
This volunteer effort has been working since 2009 to build fences for dogs so they can be released from their chains. Chained dogs rarely have the quality of life of other pets and are vulnerable to aggression from other dogs who are able to roam into their territory and take advantage of the dog’s restrictions. Studies show that dogs who are chained can respond in one of two ways: they become aggressive or they become withdrawn and unresponsive.
More importantly, dogs who are chained are unlikely to have the same bonds and stable relationship with their owners/family. Many are isolated and live a lonely existence and suffer from neglect.
Without prejudice, Fences for Fido assists these dog owners by building fenced sections on weekends. Materials and time are all donated and there is also support for neutering/spaying and veterinary care when needed. The group works to educate families about dog care during the extreme seasons of summer and winter.
This group also follows up with families that have received its assistance twice each year to ensure that the dogs remain unchained and in good condition.
Almost 300 dogs have been helped by Fences for Fido so far.
That’s a special group!
Here’s a video of their first-ever fence building project – for Chopper – in 2009:
DoggyMom.com 