Hi, I am Shannon Allen, your DDB Representative for the New River Valley, VA. I have lived in Giles County my entire life, residing in Newport. I have been married for 15 years to a Virginia Tech Police Officer and my best friend. I am a full time volunteer for DDB, and mother to EIGHT amazing fur-babies and FIVE foster fur-babies.




I am very passionate about animal welfare and am here to help.  Please never hesitate to email me or call me at 1-866-899-1039 whether you are concerned about a neighbors dog or need help un-chaining your dog.





I am honored to represent the New River Valley as a DDB rep and feel that we can set the standard of animal welfare for other communities.







Your Team             



The following professionals have graciously donated their services to DDB and the dogs the New River Valley:


Becca's Dog Rescue & Training



Happy Tails Dog Training






Advocacy Teams
Pulaski:
Giles:
Montgomery:
Craig:
Floyd:



We Are In Need Of Teams To Be The Eyes And Ears of DDB In Your County
PLEASE VISIT OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION



FOLLOW OUR BLOG
 


DOGS DESERVE BETTER is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to freeing the chained dog, and bringing
our 'best friend' into the home and family.

Dogs Deserve Better, 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA/Chase Pet Protector Award, is a voice for chained and penned dogs, whose sadness speaks only through the eyes. As the days become years, many of these dogs sit, lay, eat, and defecate within the same 10-foot radius. Chained by the neck, they exist without respect, love, exercise, social interaction, and sometimes even basic nourishment. They live as prisoners, yet long to be pets.


DDB of the NRV-VA Takes Their Dogs To:



Tyrone, PA Dog Case

HOT WEATHER TIPS

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger!


Take these simple precautions to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.



Visit the Vet
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication.


Made in the Shade
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Be careful to not over-exercise them.


Know the Warning Signs
Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.


No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle even if the windows are open.  Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.


Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, not all dogs are good swimmers. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water.


Screen Test
Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.


Summer Style
Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut helps prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun.


Street Smarts
When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.


Avoid Chemicals
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach.


Party Animals
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. 


Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic
Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets.



 
Shannon E. Allen, DDB Representative - NRV Virginia
SERVING PULASKI, GILES, MONTGOMERY, CRAIG, AND FLOYD