End animal suffering in KCMO urban core

If ever a dog was the epitome of Chain of Hope’s mission, Luke is.  Luke is a dog we followed for over two years on outreach.  Like so many others he was on a chain, outside 24 hours a day, 7 days a week along with two other dogs at the home.  We set them all up with food, treats, toys, dog houses filled with straw to keep them warm in winter, fly repellant in the summer to prevent pain and infection from fly bites, flea and tick and heartworm prevention medication, and made sure they were spayed and neutered.  Chain of Hope is relentless in following up to make sure these animals remain healthy and hold their owners responsible for doing what is right, what is necessary. And we did, for over two years. We convinced the owners to surrender two of the dogs who went on to be adopted to start new lives filled with affection, warmth, and love.  But they would not let go of Luke.   And unlike the other two, Luke would not let you near the dirt circle he had worn from years living on that chain.  He was angry and aggressive and had every right to be. 

Chain of Hope didn’t give up.  We continued to monitor Luke, tossing treats and toys, and making sure he had what he needed to survive the best he could under the circumstances.  Then one day the phone rang.  Luke’s owners were moving and not taking him.  Yes, we would take him, but at what cost, would Luke be able to be with people, other dogs, could he be adopted?  He was truly one of the most aggressive dogs we had ever monitored. But Luke just knew, he knew it was his turn, that his life in the dirt and on that chain was over.  Beating all the odds, Luke transitioned beautifully to an affectionate, playful dog with humans and dogs alike.  He is so smart, and you rarely see him running around without a big stuffed toy in his mouth.  He is a charmer, and now it is his turn for that life filled with love, warmth, and affection.     

Your support makes this possible and we are grateful.