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The Braselton News
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
‘Off the Chain’
Nonprofit constructs fences for area dogs
By Alex Pace
A local nonprofit group is working to
make sure Braselton-area dogs are ‘Off the
Chain."
The group has just constructed its seventh
fence for dogs that were previously tethered
in yards.
“It’s amazing the transition that takes
place,” said ‘Off the Chain" organizer Jenni
fer Summers. She noted the change in some
dog’s demeanor is nearly immediate after
being removed from their tether.
In one case, a local family had pet Corgi
dogs that were chained outside. Summers
said the dogs were aggressive and wouldn’t
allow people to get close to them.
After their pen was constructed and the
dogs were removed from their chains, Sum
mers said their demeanor changed within
minutes. They immediately became friend
lier and welcomed a game of “catch.”
Summers explained that chained dogs
pose a greater bite risk and feel “very pro
tective of their small space.”
“They have nowhere else to go,” she said.
The load of the chains and padlock also
weighs down the dogs, according to Sum
mers. In some cases, she said the chains cut
into the dogs" necks.
“It’s just no way to live,” Summers said.
‘Off the Chain’ constructs fences free of
charge for qualified families “so that their
animals can feel protected and have room
to exercise.”
It also offers free dog houses, pet care
education and some supplies ( when avail
able).
HOW THE GROUP STARTED
While living in Dacula. Summers part
nered with other women to push for a teth
ering ordinance in Gwinnett County. The
group was successful.
“It was a huge victory for Gwinnett,” she
said.
Summers later moved to Braselton and
learned three area counties have no regula
tions on tethering.
“There’s no tethering law in Jackson, Hall
or Barrow counties,” she said. “Anywhere
that I turn, they’re allowed to have animals
chained up.”
Since moving to Braselton, Summers said
she has gotten involved in animal welfare.
She and a neighbor found a Chow dog
that was chained up in a neighborhood.
They brought the family food, a bed and a
crate for the dog.
Summers said the family told her they
were “moving with their baby.” But when
the family moved, they left the dog behind.
“They left her chained to a tree.” she said.
Next door, Summers found another
chained dog. She remembers thinking,
“there has to be something we can do.”
Summers partnered with friends, neigh
bors and family to start ‘Off the Chain" in
January.
The group was first self-funded and orga
nizers purchased all the materials.
The volunteer group is now funded by
its board and by individual and corporate
donations.
It has since partnered with the North
Georgia Community Foundation so donors
can make tax deductible donations.
To make a donation, visit www.ngcf.
org/sslpage.aspx?pid=391 or send a check
to North Georgia Community Founda
tion, designating “Off the Chain” in the
memo line, 615 Oak Street, Gainesville,
GA 30501.
Summers said it’s not difficult to find
chained dogs in the area. Group volunteers
often spot the animals and Summers said
neighbors are welcome to send a tip.
She said most residents have been “grate
ful” for the help. But she recognizes that
some people may fear they will upset their
neighbors if they report them for having a
chained dog, so the group offers an anony
mous application.
For more information on ‘Off the Chain,’
email offthechainusa@yahoo.com or call
770-712-8391.
Fence complete
Off the Chain volunteers stand with one of the fences the group constructed
for an area dog that was previously tethered.
Moose
Moose, a dog who lives with
a family in Hoschton, was
recently untethered after Off
the Chain constructed a fence.
He is pictured (above) while he
was chained and (right) after he
was released from his tether.
GOODMARK
Welcomes
Stan
Tha Big Dawg
Seagraves
Stan would like to invite all past clients &
friends to visit him at Goodmark Chevrolet.
Come see Stan “THA BIG DAWG”
Seagraves for a great deal!
123 South Elm St • Commerce • 706-335-3196
Animal shelter out of dog
food, donations sought
The Jackson County Animal Shelter is out of dog food
and is seeking donations.
Other needed items include dry dog food, puppy food,
bleach, laundry detergent and kitty litter.
Donations can be dropped off at the Jackson County
Animal Shelter (29 Galilee Church Road, Jefferson)
on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and
Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more
information, call 706-367-5480 or email brichards@
jacksoncountygov.com
Donations can also be dropped off at the Jackson
County Historic Courthouse (85 Washington Street,
Jefferson) on Mondays-Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact the Jackson County
Animal Shelter director Brad Richards at 706-215-0569
or brichards @j acksoncountygov.com.
The
Braselton News
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