We can be astounded that dogs are kept chained in the bitter cold but action to avert their deaths is what is needed. The polar vortex of January 2024 brought temperatures in the single digits as far as south as Mississippi.

Most calls for help for animals come in when the animal in question is already in peril. Doll Stanley, who leads our Justice for Animals campaign took extraordinary measures to respond to last-minute calls for dogs with no shelter. From loaning plastic crates and carriers so that dogs who normally live outside could be kept inside, to supplying disaster relief blankets, to traveling to distant counties on icy roads to buy the last large and extra-large igloos and then going the extra distance to make sure that outside dogs had the right size igloos.

Often, people with large dogs cannot fit the igloos that would fit their large dogs into their vehicles nor can they afford the $200 and above prices for the igloos themselves. Dogs can easily pop the tops of their dog houses and then the wear and tear begins. Some dogs resort to chomping the fronts of their shelters until they are useless.

With courthouses closed for the duration of the ice storm and rescues and shelters at and beyond carrying capacity, issuing seizure orders is not an option. While it would be ideal for the dogs if they could be rehomed into homes where they could live inside, there aren’t enough good homes for the animal companions currently existing. 

We have to push aside how we feel about the humans who are letting their dogs down and get to work helping the dogs directly.

You can help our efforts by making a donation, which is always needed and appreciated. If you have the time, please take a moment to learn more about some of our work in the Deep South. Thank you!