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Chain Off 2008 Attire!

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Jenny Schrolucke

Chained in Delaware, OH chained at the
Bark 'til Dark Dog Park, 8 Hours, July 4th

My Chain Off went well, but the gloomy weather seemed to keep people away. I was chained up for eight hours at the end of the driveway of our local dog park. This was my first time participating in the Chain Off and the moment I was chained up was more overwhelming than I had expected.  The sound of the metal clasp closing sort of turned my stomach.  To think of how many dogs' lives take a turn for the worse with that sound.  I sat there most of the day alone.  The park owner put a sign on the road asking people to "honk if a chained dog makes you sad" and most people just drove by and stared at me.  I hope the sight of me, if it did not inspire them to honk, at least made them think.  My eight hours was terribly lonely and sad.  I cannot imagine living day after day like that.  Each time a car would go by, I was hopeful that the person would stop by to say hi or to ask what I was doing. I sort of felt like a dog tied up that would wag its tail in the hopes that someone would come and offer some attention or a kind word.  I had tons of support from park patrons and it was wonderful to hear all their words of support for what I was doing.  I even had one person show up early with her parent's dog.  She wanted to meet the person would do something like this to raise awareness...her parent's dog had been chained up and left to die before he was rescued.  While everyone that I talked to thanked me for what I did that day, it was so small compared to what others do each day to save dogs that are chained and alone.  I am grateful to have had this experience and think this was the first of many Chain Offs for me!