Casa del Toro (Bully Breed Education and Rescue)& F.I.D.O. (Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside)  are teaming up to help outside dogs stay warmer and happier this winter. 

There are many, many dogs in Indianapolis who are kept outside, regardless of the weather.  Unfortunately, many of these dogs are  pit bulls.  Because of their short fur, pit bulls are especially vulnerable to the cold weather.  Many of these dogs are kept on the end of a chain.  FIDO and Casa del Toro have come together to help as many dogs as possible stay as comfortable as possible this winter. 

The Winter Dog Outreach Program targets the poorest and most crime-filled neighborhoods where most of these dogs live and suffer.  On weekend mornings, a dedicated group of volunteers caravan into these targeted neighborhoods with trucks containing dog supplies.  The free dog supplies include training crates to encourage owners to bring their dogs inside, at least overnight, and come into compliance with the Indianapolis chaining ordinance.  Flea treatment and dog shampoo also facilitates the transition of dogs into the house.  Dog food, both dry and canned, is offered to help meet the extra energy demands of the cold temperatures.  Warm dog houses packed with straw are given to any outside dog with insufficient shelter. Casa Del Toro offers Free educational packets chalked full of resource information on the Pit bull.   These are some of the ways that the Winter Dog Outreach Program provides immediate comfort to outside dogs. 

At the same time, the Winter Dog Outreach Program works to integrate in more long-term remedies to our city’s animal welfare problems.  Because these targeted neighborhoods contribute significantly to the local pet overpopulation crisis, the Outreach Program offers free spay-neuter surgeries to any animal who is assisted, thanks to Indy Pit Crew and the financial backing of Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana.  Volunteers also provide on-site micro chipping, because these targeted neighborhood are the source of a disproportionate number of stray dogs who end up in our city shelters. 

Outreach workers also take advantage of the good will that is developed during these Outreach days, to establish future relationships with people and their dogs.  In some cases, volunteers have returned later to construct outside kennels at homes with multiple chained dogs.  In cases where people simply cannot or will not provide proper care for their dogs, volunteers have intervened and worked to place the dogs with a rescue group or shelter.  

The need in these neighborhoods seems endless most days.  FIDO continuously collects new and used dog kennels, dog crates, and dog houses.  FIDO continuously seeks out donated dog food, gladly accepting dented cans and torn packages.  Straw, whether bundled or bagged, as long as it’s not been wet, is gratefully received.  But to really begin to meet the enormous needs in the poor neighborhoods of our city, more donated dog supplies are needed.  FIDO accepts most dog supplies, new or used, dirty or dented, as long as they are usable.  Please contact Jennifer Pritchard at jenniferpritchard@msdlt.k12.in.us if you are able to offer any donation of dog supplies. 

As important as donated supplies are, the committed service of dedicated, street-smart, level-headed volunteers is even more crucial.  A balance of compassion, common sense, and emotional restraint are key qualities for dealing with some of the tough situations and difficult people that are encountered.  Of course, a basic understanding of dog behavior and health are important too.  If you are interested in devoting your time in an ongoing manner to help alleviate the suffering of dogs kept outside, please contact Michelle Pritchett at map32898@aol.com.

Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
--Margaret Mead