Dog gains new life after released from his chains

TO THE EDITOR:

Neptune is a young pit bull mix who lives with the grandparents of his owner on the outskirts of Chapel Hill. The grandfather is an invalid who lives at home and is cared for by his wife.

Neptune's care met all the legal requirements. He was fed and provided with water at all times and his chain and doghouse met the necessary measurements. But his eyes were sad and he would lie in one spot barely moving if I drove up in my car. One day I happened to mention to the grandmother that his being chained was the same as her living in a prison. She said that they did not have the money to build a fence so I told her of the Coalition To Unchain Dogs.

A few weeks later a group of men women and children arrived on a Saturday morning and built Neptune a fence with plenty of room and lots of straw.

Needless to say Neptune's entire personality changed. His eyes became bright he danced little jigs when someone arrived and his entire demeanor became that of a happy and spirited and loving creature.

At the same time it seemed that the grandmother and grandfather also became unchained. Perhaps it was their witnessing a group of total strangers giving so unselfishly of their time and efforts. Perhaps it was the energy they breathed from seeing Neptune transformed to a lively little creature. Whatever the reason they were soon letting him have the run of the house giving him special blankets to sleep on and congratulating themselves on how much they could spoil him. The entire spirit of the home was renewed.

Neptune's grandmother has become an advocate of unchained dogs and has referred several of her friends in that direction.  When I come to visit I am teasingly reprimanded if I forget to bring Neptune some treats. 

All the stars in the sky cannot shine as brightly as the light that Neptune gives to his two elderly grandparents. He never seems to tire of expressing his gratitude.



Carla Shuford

Chapel Hill