When we brought Timber home he had never walked on a leash. I’m not sure where he slept but he had no dog house previously. Now he sleeps wherever he wants – often in our bed. =) And we are making progress on leash walking, though he is part Malamute and very stubborn.

I fought with myself to go back, go back and rescue this miserable creature. But the law was stuck in my head and the thought of what would be like stealing, overcame my hearts desire. I could not decide ethically’ which would be the greater ‘wrong’.

As many of you sit and read what I have written I am sure you feel like the decision would be easy for you, I know because I would be the same.

And yet I passed by, not once, not twice, but day after day.

I saw the animal suffer the cold and then the heat, some days no water was accessible for him to drink as the blazing heat beat down on him. His only shelter was the shade and branches of the tree that he was chained to.

I considered myself a great dog advocate and yet I did nothing. I felt felt guilty (horribly guilty) but my guilt did not save this puppy, or give him a nurturing safe home.

At that point in time I was unaware of the fact that I could report this neglect and abuse. I did not know that is was legally considered an actual act of abuse, although a very gray area.

Since that time ( this was many years ago) there has been a bill introduced, this year in fact in February to go into effect October 1st. The HB-1023-Restraint of dogs bill.

Unfortunately so it seems it was withdrawn a mere eight days later. But the attempt does show that this is a serious concern for many. There are other states that do have dog restraint laws and hopefully it will be re introduced at some point in the near future and passed in Florida.

I am writing this particular article because I know that many of you out there that are like me, or how I once was.

You may see an abusive situation but are unclear and unsure of what to do.

Call animal control, call the sheriff’s department, report what is going on. Animal neglect and or abuse is something that can be stopped. It is our responsibility as the race with consciousness to protect our animals, animals that trust us and look to us for their care.

On my blog, there is a picture of a black dog, Rocky, who had followed my husband home from walking our other dogs one day. It was very obvious that he had been tied up outside by his appearance. He had burns around his neck and his coat was a wiry reddish color from being out in the hot sun. He is a fun loving and happy dog now. He is hyper at times. But aren’t they all? We are so glad that he found us. He brought out such good things in our family. We did not intend to keep him, but we’re so glad we did!

Thanks for blogging about this outrageous cruelty toward some otherwise very good dogs. I hope that you will go by and see a picture of Rocky. We are so proud to have him as a member of our pack. Now, we call him “Rock Star”. – Teresa