A conversation with Robin Von Hollen of Dogs Deserve Better Eastern Shore
Riding down the road on the Eastern Shore is depressing, dogs that are lacking the proper care can be seen almost everywhere. I can’t imagine how these dogs feel. Why were they being left outside in various weather elements? With no shelter, on a chain? They don’t know when they are going to get food or water. Wondering why their humans won’t spend time with them. And a toy-what is that? These dogs often spend their life on a chain or in a little pen, with little to no vet care, lack of food, water, shelter and human companionship. These poor souls experience such a sad existence and they are left feeling hopeless wondering when someone will care. A living breathing soul is considered property as if it were a pair of shoes. It is time for a change!
Through the years, I have seen dogs that were in desperate need but my voice and many others’ fell on deaf ears. Over the past few years, with the help and support of others, I have been doing outreach to dogs in need. During this time, I developed a relationship with Dogs Deserve Better, located in Smithfield,Va. As my relationship progressed, I was asked if I would like to be a volunteer representative for the Eastern Shore branch. I was honored to accept the role and was hopeful to be able to have a greater impact on our dogs, right here on the Eastern Shore. We depend solely off the generous donations we receive from our community and with that, we are able to give back to the dogs that really need it right here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. 100% of all donations made to our branch Dogs Deserve Better Eastern Shore VA., stay here on the shore to benefit our dogs here. When our funds allow we will place a doghouse, straw, food, bowls, collars and other needs that might be necessary to help the quality of life for the dog.
We have a Give Them Shelter Campaign for the dogs who are forced to live outside with little to no protection from the elements. When funds and resources are available, The Northampton High School Carpentry class builds the doghouse, with the guidance of their teacher Billy Davis. This is possible with the donations from our community and the help of OBS. With these resources we are able to place a doghouse with straw.
Educating our community is as important as well. We try to educate on the importance of spay, neuter, other vet care and the needs of the dog. All dogs deserve to be inside and be part of a loving family.
We are in need of volunteers, fosters, new or used collars, large stainless steel bowls, shingles, plywood, large wooden doghouses that can be revamped and money donations. In the near future we want to offer help with spay and neuter. We are hopeful to get help from our community to help.
If anyone is interested in helping our cause follow us on our facebook page Dogs Deserve Better Eastern Shore Va., there are so many ways others can help. Please feel free to contact me Robin at robinv@dogsdeservebetter.org. for more information. You can also donate to our OBS account; contact Tammy at the Eastville store 757-678-5335.
Be the eyes, be a voice, foster, volunteer, adopt, donate, share post. TOGETHER we can make a DIFFERENCE.
About the Author
The first para of this piece is filled with assumptions on your part. I keep my dog inside, but many people can’t – either due to lack of space or the dog not being house broken. I have a place in Cape Charles and in Arlington, Va. I know many people in Arlington who never let their dogs out, have disgusting dog pads that the animal has to “make” on. If I were a dog, I would prefer to be outside with a house, food and drink than stuck in a house, peeing on a pad my whole life. A dog is a tamed wolf. Wolves live OUTDOORS and have done so for as long as they have existed. People take on a huge responsibility when they bring a dog into their home and they should take those responsibilities seriously. If the dog is happy, whether kept inside or outside, the pet parent is doing a good job.
The editorial is correct regarding the terrible conditions of animal abuse and neglect on the Lower Shore. I work in animal rescue with the animal control offices in Accomack/Northampton and in Somerset and Worcester Counties in Maryland. Some of the conditions in which animals are found will not bear description for the general reader of the Mirror. Mr. Schemm’s comment to the editorial is beyond silly. He seems to be able to channel a dog’s feelings: “If I were a dog, I would prefer to be outside with a house, food, and drink ….” I wonder whether he would also be comfortable if attached to a chain for his entire life. Would he object if the shelter were nonexistent, or if the food and water were provided only randomly? I cannot count the number of near-starved or dehydrated, sometimes near-frozen animals I have helped rescue or have taken in. Thanks to the editor for reminding all of us that we need to do much, much more to improve the quality of life on the Shore.
Congratulations to Dare Co NC: http://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/dare-county-bans-the-tethering-of-dogs-for-more-than/article_262a340a-131b-5037-a21d-35a03f5831cd.html