What she saw sickened her. A poor hound-mix, not only completely enclosed in a fence, but within the enclosure there was a doghouse to which he was also chained. He suffered this way in minus 35 and plus 35-degree weather, alone and never walked.

Maria made it her mission to call every animal services organization available in Toronto all of whom could do nothing due to the fact that Ontario animal-cruelty laws are over 100 years old and outdated to say the least.

"I bought things for the dog, visited the owner and the dog, offered to walk or buy him, wrote a letter, all of which did not work. According to him, he rescued this dog after he was chained by another owner for seven years - This was his idea of saving him.” complained Maria.

Months went by, and almost everyday she would go to pet and fed him through the gaps in the fencing. “He had, at this point, made several escape attempts, was banging himself against the enclosure and whining constantly, day and night.” Maria said.

The fight to free him continued. She contacted the local Councilor and anyone else who would listen, to make as much noise as she could. Maria knew that she was Lucky’s only voice and his only chance. Maria’s persistence made a difference. After seven long months, Lucky's owner finally phoned her to say the dog was causing him too much trouble and did she want him? Maria immediately went to get him.

Lucky had several medical issues, but today, Lucky is happy and healthy in a safe, loving and chain/cage free home. Maria offers advice to anyone who comes across a situation like Lucky’s, “Even when all seems hopeless, keep fighting because happy endings can happen!”

She added, “It’s amazing that organizations like Dogs Deserve Better exist. Next year, I hope to launch the first Dogs Deserve Better chain-off in Toronto, Canada! Keep fighting the good fight!”