From time to time, we all need a little reminder of why we volunteer for Dogs Deserve Better. The time commitment can be difficult, but the most rewarding thing about this work is making a difference and helping a dog. Read Wyatt's story and think of all the lives your work with DDB has touched.

Indiana Representative, Monica Kinely-Wilson received a call from a Richmond, woman who was desperate seeking help for her in-law's hound-mix, Wyatt. The in-laws were losing their home and had no where for Wyatt to go. Monica scheduled a visit to get some pictures and assess the situation. Sure enough, there was Wyatt, crouching with his head down and tail between his legs. Wyatt had spend his entire life on a short chain. He was insecure, vulnerable and scared.

Monica snapped some shots of Wyatt and let the family know that she was committed to getting Wyatt off the chain and into a foster home. Monica wasted no time and posted Wyatt's pictures on the DDB Facebook page. With that, the wheels of change began rolling and offers of assistance began coming in. A foster home was found, checked and approved. Wyatt's owners were notified just in time, as Wyatt was in the car on his way to a very high-kill shelter in the area.

Monica headed to Richmond and Wyatt was relinquished to her by the owners. Wyatt got vetted immediately and soon was on the way to meet his new foster mom, Heather.

Wyatt's world has opened up and he seems amazed by the sights and sounds that exist outside the confines of his chain. Heather has reported to Monica that Wyatt has blossomed into a wonderful, social and silly dog. He has enjoyed a recent vacation with his foster family and gets along well with other dogs and even cats.

A huge thank you to Monica and Wyatt's foster mom, Heather in Newport, Kentucky. Without people like Monica and Heather's hard work, blood, sweat and tears, Wyatt and so many other dogs would never get to see life beyond the chain. Your dedication means so much to this organization.

Things are incredibly hectic at the Good Newz Rehab Center, and DDB founder Tamira Thayne and office manager Elaine Peachey are still working 12-14 hour days trying to get their normal work done as well as oversee center renovations, work alongside the volunteers, and take care of the nine dogs on site and keep the center clean. Thayne has started a 60-day blog about the experience, visit the link here to read more.
http://lifeinthemansion.wordpress.com/

Please consider becoming a monthly donor to help us further our work and keep the center moving in a positive direction! As it stands right now, no further renovations can be undertaken because all funds raised for such have been expended on fencing, rubber flooring, putting in doggie doors, and installing a new set of steps off the back deck to enable two sets of exit points for our dogs. Please donate or start your monthly donation here:
http://tinyurl.com/3ltoz95

We are still in great need new or gently used 6 foot chain link fencing. Donations can be delivered or shipped to 1915 Moonlight Road Smithfield, VA 23430.

If you want to donate items instead of money, send us the following: Grain-free dog food or treats (some of our dogs are grain-allergic), paper towels, or gift cards to Lowe's or Home Depot.

Thanks for bringing chained dogs into the home and family with us for the past nine years. We couldn't do it without your support.

Do you have a passion for helping chained or penned dogs? Do you have a dog in your community living this way, and you need to do something about it? Let us know what you'd like to do to help. Please complete the form below and submit, we will contact you with our volunteer opportunities!

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/volunteerform.html

Deana Whitfield,
National Volunteer Coordinator
Dogs Deserve Better

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/donations2.html