Category Archives: S.O.S

Lilly and Bella still need a home. Bella is 6 yo and Lilly 2-3 yo. Both are housebroken and crate trained. Lilly is playful, extremely intelligent, and learns quickly. Bella likes it quiet and needs someone who has time to … Continue reading →

Shepherds of Surry

Shepherds of Surry (S.O.S) is a group of citizens concerned about the cruel neglect of dogs left tied or chained outdoors without relief.

It is their mission to promote laws to protect dogs from continuous outdoor confinement on a tether, rope, cable or chain.

Membership is open to the public. Members intend to meet at least once a month to discuss ways to bring about legal protections for neglected dogs in Surry County.

Anyone interested in attending a meeting may contact Kathleen Edwards at (336)351-4850 or email to

Anyone having information regarding an animal who is neglected, abused or mistreated should immediately contact Surry County Animal Control at (336) 401-8481.

Current county ordinance requires that any chain, rope, cable or tether used to confine a dog must be at least 15 feet in length with swivels on both ends, attached to the dog by a properly fitting harness or buckle-type collar of nylon or leather measuring not less than one inch in width. Any dog thus confined must be provided with adequate food daily and have continuous access to clean, unfrozen water and a non-metal shelter consisting of three sides and a roof which is structurally sound and maintained in good repair.

Dogs Deserve Better

Dogs Deserve Better is a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing the chained dog, and bringing ‘our ‘best friend’ into the home and family. DDB helps with fencing your yard and keeping your dog off the chain(if resources are available). Area Reps can help with in-home assistance to house train him/her and provide walks for your dog.

Read more about Dogs Deserve Better – dogsdeservebetter.com

Fencing Assistance through Dogs Deserve Better
Application – dogsdeservebetter.com/action%20form.pdf

If you would like to learn more about Dogs Deserve Better please call 1-877-636-1408.

If you would like to Sponsor a fence for a Surry Dog, volunteer fence building, donate Fencing Supplies please contact Kathleen at (336)351-4850 or

“The dog next door is a most horrid sight
With filthy fur and eyes that portray death
He looks unto the stars and howls at night
He hopes the heavens will soon steal his breath

The chain that holds him captive to this life
Has been the only greeting each morning
Another lonely day comes with no light
Will someone hear his plead for adorning?

He asks for the privilege of life unchained
To sleep in a bed and to eat each day
When will they learn his life is not a game?
He doesn’t wish to live his life this way

Another frost chills his water bowl
The winter also freezes his poor soul”
—Katie Horan