Friends,

Chained dog, Indy, before. Owner lacked resources.

Chained dog, Indy, after. FIDO gave her and her friends fencing, shelter, and comfort.

Two wonderful Indiana-PAW partners - F.I.D.O. (Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside) and Casa del Toro (Bully Breed Education & Rescue) - are teaming up to help outside dogs stay warm this winter. Indiana-PAW believes strongly in the work of these two partner organizations, and is passing on this information to our constituents, because you've never once let us down, and we believe you'll come through again, and help save dogs from needless suffering this winter.

First, the bad news: There are many dogs in Indiana who are left outdoors - often at the end of a chain - to suffer the frigid Indiana winters with no shelter. A large number of these dogs have short fur - such as Pit Bulls - and are especially vulnerable to the elements.

Now, the good news: FIDO and Casa del Toro have come together to help as many dogs as possible stay warm this winter. The Winter Dog Outreach Program run by these two well-regarded agencies targets the poorest and most crime-filled neighborhoods where many of these dogs live and suffer. On weekend mornings, a dedicated group of volunteers caravan into these targeted neighborhoods with trucks containing supplies that they hand out for free, with a goal of encouraging owners to bring their dogs indoors, or at a bare minimum, provide them with sufficient shelter to come into compliance with the Indianapolis chaining ordinance. Volunteers hand out free flea treatment and dog shampoo to facilitate the transition of dogs into the house. They distribute dry and canned dog food to help needy folks meet the extra energy demands of their dogs during the colder weather. Finally, and most importantly, they set up warm dog houses packed with straw, and give out free educational packets full of resources, particularly about Pit Bulls.

The Big Picture: The Winter Dog Outreach Program integrates long-term remedies to Indianapolis' animal welfare problems. Because the neighborhoods targeted in the program contribute significantly to the local pet overpopulation crisis, the Outreach Program offers free spay-neuter surgeries to any animal who is assisted, thanks to Indy Pit Crew and the financial backing of Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana. Volunteers also provide on-site microchipping, because these targeted neighborhoods are the source of a disproportionate number of stray dogs who end up in our city shelters. And, outreach workers take advantage of the good will that is developed during these Outreach days to establish future relationships with people and their dogs. In some cases, volunteers have returned later to construct outside kennels at homes with multiple chained dogs. In cases where people simply cannot or will not provide proper care for their dogs, volunteers have intervened and worked to place the dogs with a rescue group or shelter.

Here's How You Can Help: Please contact Jennifer Pritchard if you are able to donate any of the following:

1. A new or used dog kennel, dog crate, or dog house.
2. Dog food of any kind, including torn bags or dented cans.
3. Straw/hay, whether bundled or bagged, as long as it's not been wet.
4. 5 gallon buckets that have never had chemicals in them.

If you need help transporting supplies to FIDO, Indiana-PAW transporter volunteers would be happy to come to your home, pick up the supplies, and transport them. Also, you can drop off your donation at Scotty's Brewhouse in Indy on October 23rd, 2007 at the same time you're attending a charity event there which will support Casa Del Toro and FIDO.

Volunteers Needed, Too. As important as donated supplies are, the committed service of dedicated, street-smart, level-headed volunteers is even more crucial. A balance of compassion, common sense, and emotional restraint are key qualities for dealing with some of the tough situations and difficult people that are encountered. Of course, a basic understanding of dog behavior and health are important too. If you're interested in devoting your time in an ongoing manner to help alleviate the suffering of dogs kept outside, please contact Michelle Pritchett.

Fundraiser. You can also support FIDO and Casa Del Toro by attending their upcoming charity event on October 23rd, 2007 at Scotty's Brewhouse in Indianapolis. For more information about this upcoming fundraiser, please click here.

For more information on each of these individual groups please visit:

Casa Del Toro Bully Breed Education & Rescue www.casadeltoro.org

F.I.D.O. (Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside) www.fidoindy.org