As old man winter's grip on the region keeps strengthening, the continued and expanded care of man's best friend should take the spotlight.

With last week's frigid temperatures, dogs chained outside suffered through the absolute in raw elements - and who exactly knows if they all survived.  It would not be surprising to find out that there were many nameless, faceless and senseless casualties at the hands of mother nature.

During extreme weather, such as cold, wind and snow, pet owners who opt to keep their dog or cat outdoors are reminded that just as a driveway and sidewalk require shoveling, animals require special care too.  Water and food bowls either get knocked or blown over or they and their contents freeze.  They must be replenished on a basis that fits the need.

It is recommended that on extremely cold nights, the dog be brought into some type of shelter - whether it be a basement or garage - anything but the outdoors.

It just may be a start to a loving relationship that will transform the outdoor dog into an indoor dog.  Contrary to popular belief, with the proper patience (alot of it!), training and tools, virtually any dog can be trained to be an indoor dog that is part of the home and a family.

"The winter months are the most excruciating, both for the dogs abandoned in yards and the people who rescue them. Our heads are filled with thoughts of individual dogs we see daily, obsessions about how we can get them some help during the bitter cold winter months," said Tamira Ci Thayne, founder of Dogs Deserve Better (DDB), which is based in Tipton. 

While tough realities face the organization, they strive to help as many chained dogs as humanly possible.  They encourage people to join in their efforts by urging lawmakers on all levels to tighten the scope of the laws against chaining.  Currently, California and Texas have laws against 24/7 outdoor chaining.

"We just rescued a beagle from Altoona two weeks ago, in the middle of the bad ice/rain storms, who had sopping wet blankets in his miserable, hole-ridden doghouse. He was 12 years old, and had spent most of his life out there. His fur was also sopping wet, like a wet sponge, and he laid in the yard, not even bothering to lay in his wet doghouse. 

Seeing him lay snuggled up on a dog bed beside my desk brought me tears of joy. He deserves to sleep warm and happy, and so does every damn dog in this entire state, this entire country! I fully intend to keep at this until I see the day that happens.

People in other countries, especially the European countries, are appalled by the way we Americans continue to treat our companion animals. It's time for a change," Thayne said.

As part of her and the group's ongoing efforts, they are sponsoring a "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week" from February 7th-14th.

People who see a chained dog in need of help are urged to report the name and address of the chained dog's owner, if known.  In a mission to deliver 12,500 valentines to chained dogs nationwide, dogs and their owners will receive a valentine, DDB brochure and a treat coupon.  Their owners will be encouraged to let them off of their chain for one day.  Those who report an individual will remain anonymous.

For those who would like additional information, please call Thayne at #877-636-1408, write to DDB, PO Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 or visit www.dogsdeservebetter.com. 

Throughout the winter months, however, owners of chained dogs are encouraged to consider bringing their dog into the home but they at least - if the animal remains outside -should make sure that they have the bare essentials in order to guarantee survival.