 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
||
|
Remember to pick your favorite contestant and Vote for the People's Choice Award Winner! Day Three Update During the night of Day Two it rained quite severely, and the security guard was instructed to wake us if lightning was too close, so we could move the contestants to safety. Well, he did, and Rocky took them to the tent, as Tammy was still chained, and then came back and went to sleep, leaving the contestants in the tent. This made them happy, but was not following the rules of the contest, so Tammy, feeling responsible for the event, elected to unchain herself early so that she could be available to take them to the tent when needed. Tammy was alone when she was unchained at 39 hours, 6:30 a.m. July 3. Still six hours more than last year!
It was quite the dreary day, raining off and on all day, and not many people came around to see the contest. The press still showed up quite faithfully, Channel 6 again, as well as Jim Lauffer, who did a great spread pre-contest, and the Altoona Mirror photographer. No one dropped out on Monday, but we moved a couple people around so as to put more space in between them. We decided that they could absolutely NOT talk anymore, to anyone except staff and the press, as they had been completely abusing the privilege of talking, and were going nonstop to anyone they could find all day long. Stephen hated his new doghouse, and threatened that he'd probably be leaving soon, and that it was not fair that he had to move and others did not. We made them each signs that stated, "Hi, I'm [Heather], I cannot speak because I am a chained dog and have no voice. If you'd like to talk to me, please come back at 5:00, when I may talk to you for 1/2 hour." Jacob moved all the way to the edge of the field, and he was quite happy with his new home. Heather moved to the inside of the baseball diamond, near Aija, so that now everyone had their own port-a-john except for Don and Stephen, who still had to share. Tom and Aija continued their pacing the edge of their 'territory' to wear a path like the chained dogs do. At one point they started playing drums on their water bottles; they arranged and rearranged their areas, doing anything to stave off their boredom. Rocky filmed a 'reality-tv' speaking session with each contestant, asking who they thought their toughest competitor was, why, and who they wanted to see win, or thought might win. Rocky and Tracy plotted endlessly about games to play to quicken the dropping of the contestants, while Tammy vetoed any attempts to start the games before day seven...as we said day seven in the rules, and its importantto stick with that plan.
During the night on Day Three, it thundered with lightning much of the night, and Tammy and Rocky got next to no sleep as they were getting up taking the contestants to the tent. Around 4:30 a.m., the lightening surrounded us, which Don said was a very bad sign, as that's how tornados formed. Luckily, we experienced nothing like that, and were finally able to get a little sleep about 5:00 a.m. on July 4th. Day Four Update
Brynnan collects journals The morning of the 4th dawned with intense clouds and rain. As we watched the contestants in the pouring rain from the concession stand, Brynnan (7 years old) said, "Mommy, are you just gonna leave them out there in this rain?" Tammy said, "Yes". She said, "That is SO rude!" And it felt so too, very hard to leave them there like that. But it's part of the game, and would help to break those who were not going to make it through.
Mikael Hardy, from Simpsonville, South Carolina, was the third to drop, on the afternoon of July 4th, at 3:00 p.m. In her exit interview she explained that she didn't really need the car, and it suddenly dawned on her that, after 72 hours, she had succeeded in her own mind! She had been through a life-changing experience, and was very excited to get moving working for the chained dogs in her county, knowing that now she had much more support there than she had previously expected. She couldn't wait to get home, and was disappointed that we couldn't get her out of here on the 4th, as no car rental stands were open and she wanted to drive. She spent the night in the hotel we had on standby, after taking a long hot bath and having a good scrub. With Mikael gone, we decided we needed to move either Stephen or Don, as there was now an empty port-a-john, and they were still sharing. Stephen didn't want to move now...even though he was angry about his move the day before, so we moved Don. Don didn't care either way, as he doesn't seem to let little stuff bother him a bit! In fact, he loved his new house, as he could fit inside it as a shelter more. Now all the contestants are very spread out over the baseball field, and it's a very interesting visual. It's supposed to rain and lightning again tonight, not looking forward to that! Remember to pick your favorite contestant and Vote for the People's Choice Award Winner! Contestant Excerpts from Days Three and Four Follow:
Stephen Port, Day Three: Last night I was moved from the grass to a sandy area. It gets very muddy when wet. I guess I am really hoping everyone has to move to different areas. I don't think its fair to some to get to stay in grass or large doghouses, while others are in sand, mud, or small doghouses...so frustrated I want to go home. P.M. Cleaned my new doghouse out today. It isn't as bad as I made it sound, I guess. I just need to keep the plastic down a little longer. Stephen, Day Four: Today is Independence Day, 4th of July. I would love to be home with my family, but here I sit like a wet dog trapped for life on a chain. Last night I got virtually no rest, the thunder was a constant rumble. With lack of sleep I think I even started to see things. My plastic as well as many others is about a goner, so I've had to squeeze myself into my doghouse despite any bugs. P.M. I was sad to see the girl who always smiled in the morning leave today. She has unlimited knowledge that a person can learn from. Oh, there is a band here, that's a nice 4th of July gift, dogs don't usually get gifts if they are chained. Loneliness is one of the world's most silent killers.
Tom Frank, Day Three: I hope that it will all come down to this: we are participating in a simple challenge where only we can beat ourselves. If I just remember that all I need to do is just sit here void of emotions, nothing can bring me down. After all, this is only a game, and we are only sitting in a baseball field. I can't believe I could lose track of that. P.M. It's amazing how this becomes your whole world. Little things that would otherwise be insignificant in life impact me much more here. Basically, when you have nothing going on, I guess you still look for the extremes; things that make you happy, things that disappoint, good times and bad. Tom, Day Four: The way in which I let a minor setback affect me yesterday evening, I surely would not be the one left after a tornado. That was a good lesson. From now on I must maintain my focus, and not let any ups or downs bend me. P.M. Things are feeling really good for me right now. I am back on top, ready to take whatever they are going to throw at us. I seriously feel better than I did when we first started. I even know that I can beat Don. It has me looking at him differently now.
Aija Gillman, Day Three: At this point I really do feel extreme empathy for animals kept like this...there's nothing to do but pace, sit around, or sleep, all of which get old quite quickly. P.M. Today was much more peaceful than the previous two days...though I'm painfully bored at this point. I miss my friends and am sad I don't get to spend the 4th with them. Aija, Day Four: My doghouse is a little cramped, and my knees and back are quite sore from cramming myself into it. Breakfast was great, though, cereal was one of the best things yet. P.M. Dinner was amazing, yum! I finally don't feel hungry anymore, and it's a nice feeling. Today was one of the best days so far, no sun...and it was really quite nice. Another band came out to play this evening, and they're very pleasant to listen to. Did I mention that I think I have fleas? Kinda itchy...
Jacqueline Waldroup, Day Three: We can't speak to anyone, except from 5:00 to 5:30 pm from now on. If we talk 3 times we're out. Some of us including myself have talked the whole time and are very social people, so this may be difficult. I lost my sunglasses and I'm not happy. Hopefully I'll find them throughout the day. I think it's feeding time, 8:00 a.m. I see food so that's exciting. I can see why animals get so excited when they see people. They either get attention or food. P.M. Well, today was all over the map. I was angry, annoyed, sad, motivated, discouraged, and determined. I'm so glad a 'certain female' was placed directly across from me. I believe it was done intentionally to break me. Jacqueline, Day Four: My sleeping bag is completely W.A.F.U. (for those of you unfamiliar with Old Navy slang, that means "Wet and Freaking Useless.) It's supposed to be in the upper 40s tonight. Almost cold enough to turn a soaked through sleeping bag into a popsicle with me as a stick! Hopefully, people will drop today or tomorrow. P.M. Well, not much as changed since this morning, except we lost one. Then there were 8. This truly has become warfare. Old Hawkeyes across the street will find anything to snitch on me for. My eyes are on the prize, and I'm determined to stay this out. I've got way too much riding on this.
Mikael Hardy, Day Three: I thought about Martha today. Spent all of his life tied to a tree or in a 6x8 pen with no doghouse. Mathematically that works out to 14, 616 hours spent alone and abandoned! Why does it only rain at night here? P.M. I thought about why I was able to sleep the other night during the storm...it had zero to do with comfort, it was because for the first time I felt safe...as we were all together [under the big tent] much of the night. How terrifying for a solo dog it must be! Mikael, Day Four: I'd like to thank DDB for the better than average treatment. No, really, the accommodations are a little lacking, but all and all A++ on the effort and energy. I am most impressed with the amount of organization time that went into making this Chain Off a reality. I hope Jacob is drinking his H20. I miss Brad. The dogs. The horses. (Mikael dropped at 3:00 p.m., July 4th., after 72 hours)
Jacob Pittman, Day Three: It rained a lot last night, so it was good to sleep under the tent for awhile. I love my new doghouse. My pulse and blood pressure were a bit high yesterday, but today everything is back to normal. I am feeling great. Jacob, Day Four: I am going to miss setting off Fireworks today, but I am on a mission. I got frustrated yesterday, but I am feeling better today.
Don McKendree, Day Three: Thoughts of being chained are starting to appear. "If we love and call dogs our best friends, then why would we (or do we) chain them to pens"? P.M. It's nice to see the different generations of dogs roaming around free [within the fenced area] and don't have as much trouble as you might expect when different dogs meet. It would appear what Tammy said in her opening statement works. Chained dogs develop aggressive social behaviors. Don, Day Four: When storms move in we are allowed off our chains to go to a tented area. How sad for our furry friends that don't get that chance. I don't know any statistics on dogs being struck by lightning, but the mere frightening feeling of being chained to a pen should and has to be shared with people. There are people that are terrified of storms; there would be a lot more if they had to be or were chained up. P.M. When we first started, not much time was centered on getting playtime with dogs that are roaming around; now, some contestants aggressively attempt to get animals attention by rattling plastic, beating on pens. It's funny watching.
Heather Shirley, Day Three: Cold, wet, tired, hungry. For years I thought these adjectives summed up a very uncomfortable experience. Now I have a greater understanding of discomfort. I lost my drop cloth and I don't care if I get it back. I'll be here 'til the end. P.M. Tammy had the moxy to explain to me that Peta and myself were not striving for excellence in building doghouses. I have the moxy to say Dogs Deserve more effective advocates! I would love to finish the contest, but as Thomas and I concluded the other day, you guys have work to do! Heather, Day Four: Thank you so much Tammy and crew for this inspiring experience. I recently attended approximately 7 demonstrations, and this demo is flipping amazing! I am like you in that I don't aspire to mediocrity.
Shawn Fox, Day Three: The days will grow longer from here. With nothing to do and no one to talk to, sleeping will be my best friend over these next few days. We lost two people in the last two days...I'm still strongheaded and pushing forward. P.M. To my surprise no one dropped out today. I'm so lucky they let the car sit in the ballfield with us. Looking at it makes me think that I can't let anyone take it away from me. I can imagine myself putting a cd player in it and tinting all the windows. Shawn, Day Four: Today is a good day for me. I finally got the rain I wanted, and Tasha is coming today. Hopefully we will get rid of some people today. The fact that it has been over 40 hours since someone has left is frustrating. P.M. Another day down the drain. I finally got to see her. It was a sight for sore eyes. She will be coming back again on Friday. The girl next to me left today. So I'm keeping up my end of the deal and staying. Contest-Day
One/Two & Synopsis, Photos: First to Go Contest-Day
Fourteen & Synopsis, Photos: Event
T and Water Bottle Combo Sets, Only $11.75!
If you'd like to help, please donate to our cause today! We need your help. Visit
our volunteer
page for more ideas of how you can get involved. If
you'd like to donate via regular USPS mail, Dogs Deserve Better is a 501c3 nonprofit education/legislation/rescue organization. Your donations are tax-deductible according to IRS guidelines. |
