Monica Kinley-Kuhn
and Sam Hogenaur, Chained
Chain Off 2005, Richmond, Indiana

Read Tammy's Story and see photos
Read Dan's Story and see photos
Read Amandah's Story and see photos

The morning sun began to warm the back of my neck and I looked for a place to get comfortable in the dew soaked grass. I found a place next to the doghouse and after pacing about for a few moments, sat down to wait. Waiting is about all there was to do because there is little else to do when you are chained to a doghouse. I pondered the environment, looking at everything I could see in all four directions. The street was pretty much empty this early and I knew no one would be here for a while. I got up, walked around, and sat down again on the still slightly damp grass. Not much to do, not much at all. I wondered, “When will someone come by that will talk to me”?

Once again I stood up and in the process I spilled my water. I hadn’t thought about wanting a drink or being thirsty until now, but the very fact that I couldn’t have a drink made me thirsty. I saw plenty of activity as I looked across the parking lot into the building where there were people working. Maybe, I thought, if I hopped around and made some commotion they would see me and come outside to see what I needed. No matter what I did, no matter how much noise I made, the people inside kept about their business. I could see a cat laying inside looking out the window and she seemed almost smug that she was inside where it was cool and comfortable, and I was outside in sun that was growing ever warmer and more uncomfortable. I tried to move around where I thought I might be more easily noticed but the chain jerked me backwards when I wandered too far from the doghouse. This is the second time this has happened to me today – you would think I would learn, but I guess the gift of freedom is so easily taken for granted…… Resigned to being without water, I sat down again and once again scoured the area for a sign that someone, anyone, might notice me.

After some time, a lady and a child came over from across the street and started to talk to me. She was very kind and I was so glad for the company. She seemed to feel sorry for me, but her empathy didn’t cause her to tarry too long, and all too quickly I was alone again. A fellow wandered by and I saw that he avoided eye contact with me – I guess he wasn’t sure what to say or do. Loneliness and boredom were the only companions I had.

That evening, there were more people out and about that stopped by and said hello, but as soon as the sun set, it became cool and damp. My not-so-young anymore joints started to ache The grass had become worn down next to the dog house so I drug over an old blanket to sit on. I never really got comfortable but distracted myself with the food that someone had left for me. I cannot imagine life like this 365 days a year. The loneliness, the frustration, the total reliance on others for the things that I need – and yet dogs all across this country survive this and so much worse every day. It had been a very long day, – a day as a participant in Chain Off 2005.

In the days that followed the Chain Off, I was asked many times “ How was that experience?” and I was able to respond that it was one of the most enlightening experiences I have ever had. As someone who deeply cares about animal welfare, I thought I understood the misery that chained dogs go through but I gained a totally new perspective as a Chain-Off participant. It made me realize that every day that dogs are forced to live chained and penned and not be part of their families, is one day too long. It is my hope that we keep this issue in the forefront and change the way dogs are treated – making our communities a more humane, loving and safer place for all of us, animals and people alike.

—Monica Kinley-Kuhn, President HELP the Animals, Richmond, IN

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