July 29, 2016
For dogs left outside without adequate shelter during record-breaking heat waves like the one that gripped much of the U.S. this July, summer weather can be deadly. They will spend days on end chained up with no way to escape the scorching sun or stay dry as summer storms release torrents of water, turning backyards into miserable pits of mud.
Thanks to the help of caring sponsors of PETA’s “Angels for Animals” program, our fieldworkers have delivered sturdy new doghouses to more than 6,500 dogs in need since this life-changing program began. While, of course, we want every dog to live indoors as beloved family members, when an owner can’t be persuaded to allow a dog indoors—and local officials are unable or unwilling to act—our team does all that we can to ensure that the dog’s life is improved.
I’d like to share with you just a few of the many reports from our fieldworkers during recent weeks that highlight how doghouse sponsors helped change the lives of neglected “backyard dogs.”
When PETA fieldworkers found Clay, his only “shelter” was a broken plastic doghouse. A prong collar painfully jabbed him any time he tried to move farther than the length of the heavy chain that he was attached to. The look on his face after we gave him a sturdy new doghouse, provided him with a comfortable nylon collar to replace the prong collar, and replaced his chain with a lightweight tie-out says just how much he appreciates our “Angels for Animals” donors.
Ace was tied up in the middle of a lonely yard, and his “shelter” was a hunk of filthy, cracked plastic that was literally falling apart. Soon after delivering a new doghouse with an overhang to provide him with some relief from the blazing summer sun, we arranged for Ace to be neutered and relocated him to a part of the yard that afforded him more shade.
Isaiah’s “shelter” was an overturned plastic barrel that collected water every time it rained. Our team cleaned up the debris around the yard that he was confined to and gave him a sturdy new doghouse to provide him with some relief during the long days of summer yet to come.
Much like Ace, Boss’ only shelter was a decrepit plastic box in the middle of a yard with no shade whatsoever. He would sit all day in the heat of the sun with a thick metal chain hanging heavily on his neck. Our fieldworkers rushed to deliver him a new doghouse and replace his chain with a lightweight tie-out to give him some relief during scorching summer months.
PETA would not be able to help these animals—who have often been shown little kindness in their lives—if it were not for compassionate supporters like you. On behalf of the neglected dogs your generosity is helping this summer, thank you!