Sarah Estlund writes:

Subject: Tethering dogs

I could not agree more Karen! I live and am very involved with animal activism in Kansas City; where we have a horrible "chaining" problem. I could not agree with you more. Great article. I hate to see dogs chained or tethered. That is no way to live life. Then again, the people who are tethering and chaining are most likely not going to be reading, so they won't see these articles!

Karen Soukiasian writes:

Subject: Tethering - One of the Cruelest Things You Can Do to Your Dog

Hi Sarah!

Thank you for your comment. You are probably right...the people who need to read what tethering will do to their dog, probably won't read the article.

However, it's nice to know people are out there doing whatever they can do, to help dogs that are tethered. It's a terrible life!

We are dog trainers in St. Augustine, FL. Many of the dogs we work with, are adopted from shelters and rescues. A fair percentage of them have tethering issues.

It's sad to watch them. Plus, it's not easy helping them learn to trust again. Most of the dogs are fearful aggressive. We give our students a lot of credit for making the commitment to help them become trusting and happier dogs.

It is very satisfying; to receive letters and e-mails from our students. They are thanking us for helping them, help their dog make a successful transition from what they were, to what they are now!

Hopefully, as people become more aware of what they are doing to their dog, there will be less tethering. That's why we like working with children. Many will be future dog owners. We hope they will learn from us, how to be caring, responsible dog owners.

Please feel free to use my article for anything that will help your cause. We wish you every success in Kansas City!