Terri Bunge and Amy Smith
9am-5pm Each Day Chained to Doghouses
Hi-way Pizza, N. Atherton parking lot.
Awareness Booth and Bake Sale
Press Call 814.360.9058 • 814.880.1748

This is the third year Amy and I have been involved in the chain off. The one big difference this year was Tammy’s absence. We missed her presence but knew she was doing important work in Mundy’s Corner. The other difference is that Amy and I were chained this year. We had to work the event like always so I fear we may have missed some of the feelings of solidarity with the dogs we were standing up for. The day started out a little hectically.

We used 2 tents for our event and as we were putting one up we realized one of the canopies was missing. Tim, Amy’s husband went to the store and bought us a whole new tent. We were so appreciative! Tim also brought the doghouse he had stored since last year. Amy, Tim, Eric (my husband), and I attempt to set everything up. It’s quite a feat. Eric also made huge bake sale signs to put at each entrance. They prove to bring in a lot of customers. Kathy Pollard helped out by taking our balloons to be filled with air.

At 9:00 a.m. we were chained. Eric hooks me up.

I chain Amy.Things start out slowly as we are in a parking lot with a liquor store and a restaurant, neither of which open until at least eleven. People trickle in and out as they have read about us in the paper or heard about us through some other venue. We have collected a lot of baked goods and people are dropping off more. Things get busier as the day goes on. Toni Miles organized our bake sale with great finesse and her daughter, Mary Miles took the second shift.

Three other people have agreed to chain themselves to show support and hopefully attain media attention. Steve Dershem, our favorite county commissioner, returns from last year, in addition to Carol Nevins, the founder of Pets Come First, and the Spikes Mascot! There are 5 of us chained at one time! Unfortunately, the Spikes Mascot has to leave before the media arrives. Channel 10 does show up and we make the 6 and 11 o’clock news with very positive coverage. The Daily Collegian also does a great write-up!

In addition to the local celebrities, PAWS and the S.P.C.A., bring dogs that need adopting. Dick Shoemaker also brings his beagles that need homes. Our friend Ron Brourman, who is always supportive, came to visit and hang out with the mascot.

Barb and Diane, who took Dallas (his slave name) home from last year’s chain off and adopted him hang out with Riley (his free name) to show what a great success story they are. They also make DDB a beautiful book with photos to show how wonderful his life is now!

My sister, Jennifer, and my niece, Riley Ann (7 months old) came to visit on Saturday. Her first chain off!

Our event was from 9-5 both days. I must admit, due to having to work and be chained, I took my chain off at times. I still felt the lack of freedom and isolation being chained can bring. Amy and I had 25 foot chains as opposed to the others approximate 10 foot chains. We still couldn’t reach the bake sale table. I was sometimes left alone at my table while others were chattering away just a few feet away from me. I certainly didn’t like it. Still, being chained for the small amount of time we were there was such a small gesture compared to what the dogs go through!

We experienced a lot of support and comraderie from the community.

I couldn’t ask for a better group to work with, especially Amy as she is my ever faithful partner in animal work. I also could never accomplish what I do without my husband’s emotional support and physical efforts. I highly recommend anyone who loves dogs and wants to free them to host their own event next year. —Terri Bunge

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please send to P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684
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Dogs Deserve Better is a 501c3 nonprofit education/legislation/rescue organization. Your donations are tax-deductible according to IRS guidelines.