OkcPets Magazine January 2024

January / February 2024 • OKC Pets 35 is bad,” he must have been thinking through the images in his brain. “I only want to be inside.” Although I can’t say I blamed him for not wanting to chance being left outside, his unwillingness to initially spend any time in the yard made teaching house-training skills a challenge. The first time Rudy ran several paces past me to squat in the yard to relieve himself might have also been the first time he paid attention to my voice. I rained excited, happy praise on that sweet puppy, and his head swiveled toward me with ears perked, his tail wagging in delight. It seemed from that point on, Rudy learned how to be a puppy with ease. He discovered toys. He joined in wrestling matches with his canine counterparts. Meals became an expect- ed treat. He would dance in tight circles all the way to his crate, where he would wait in drooling anticipation to be served. Most important, he learned that a silly, high-pitched human voice offered the promise of good things to come. I’ve never understood how people can sentence a dog to the torture of life on a chain, and I never will. I know it is the fate of many dogs across the country and in our own community. There are specific organizations that work relentlessly to improve the lives of chained dogs. I’ve had the opportunity to ride along with the volunteers of the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals Un- chain Oklahoma program to witness their dedication, patience, and compassion firsthand as they visit owners of chained dogs to offer life-changing alternatives. Without the backing of strict legislation and subsequent enforcement, turning the tide for chained dogs can happen only one dog at a time. Now, watching our one dog race effortlessly out the door to join in a wild game of chase in our yard, I am grateful to everyone involved in securing his freedom. I know Rudy’s future will be nothing but soft beds, regular meals, a safe yard, loving new owners — their application was just approved today — and silly, high-pitched voices that finally have great meaning for him. Rudy is now healthy, happy, and headed to a forever home. Photo by Nancy Gallimore.