Take One MORE LOOK at our Holiday Dogs, because we put even more fun photos up there for you to look at. Santa Paws herself was incredibly touched by the photos that MO Rep Melody Whitworth sent of her group trip to Petco. Not a dry eye in the house!

We also picture some of the dogs the additional funds we raised vetted. It's truly empowering to see how much good we ALL did for the dogs this Holiday Season.

So, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. So many of you donated, and Santa Paws again matched your donations so nearly every dog in the DDB foster program received a Petco card. Visit our after page to see the dogs with their gifts, and see who else your donations helped us help this Holiday Season.

Congratulations to Melody Whitworth, from all of us at Dogs Deserve Better! She has devoted so much of her life to the DDB mission. Her work in rescue, education and mentoring is always stellar and she is a shining example of what a DDB rep can be. Melody walks the walk and never gives up on a dog in need, going above and beyond for them and the people she helps when dealing with the dogs. We have received e-mails from grateful people who never gave it much though that chaining their dog was wrong but after they were approached by Melody, they were educated with patience and kindness.

So many dogs have Melody to thank for their wonderful new life, be it in her own community or long distance, she has made a huge difference! — DDB National Coordinator Marie Belanger

Couldn't go to a more deserving "warrior for the animals"....who is always an inspiration to us all. An incredible person representing an incredible organizations. Well deserved! Congratulations! — Sandra Nathan, DDB Rep/Baldwin County AL

Wow! For one of the first time I can remember, I'm at a loss for words! The door bell just rang, I received a package that I did not remember ordering and when I opened it and found the Tamar Sherman Rep of the Year Award plague, I just melted and tears welled in my eyes. This is not just a plague but what it symbolizes is empowering. To walk in the foot steps of former DDB Reps of the Year and to even be in the same league as Tamar Sherman is just an absolute honor. I can't thank everyone enough for your recognition, and want to personally thank each and every one of you for what you do for chained/penned dogs each and every day...this award belongs to all of us. Our mission can be daunting at times, but together we will persevere and create a "chain-free" nation. I will continue to represent this incredible organization to the best of my ability and try my hardest to live up to everyone's expectations. Thank you all again for your appreciation and inspiration. Now....where to hang that plague :)—Melody Whitworth, DDB Tamar Sherman 2010 Area Rep of the Year

(Oooh, we have chills, awesome acceptance speech, Melody! You do indeed do this organization proud.)

Below, see Melody with her favorite chained rescue, Scooby. The dog is night and day!

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The New York City Council is getting tough on dog owners.

Tuesday, members passed a so-called "tethering bill".

It passed 47 to 1 and it limits the type of collars that can be used and even how long animals can be tied-up.

The gruesome, inhumane injuries on three dogs highlight the callous practice of tethering.

That's when dogs are collared and chained for hours on end.

"This chain is now embedded into this dog's skin," New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said.

A bill prohibiting this treatment was passed by city council and seeks to stop the vicious practice.

"We simply don't have tough enough laws on the books to deal with this. Nor do we have enough people and power to enforce the law," Quinn said.

The bill prohibits a pet from being tethered for more than three hours in a 12 hour period.

Also prohibited: The use of a tether that is too heavy, choke or pinch collars, or one that would become entangled.

"An animal that's abused like that becomes more dangerous, three times more likely to bite. This law protects our animals and people," City Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr. said.

Read the full article here.

Dogs Deserve Better sends as big THANK YOU and CONGRATS to NYC and Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr.!

It's cold. Dogs are suffering. Because of this we suffer too, but we will persevere until the day comes when we can sleep soundly, knowing we have done our absolute best and in the end succeeded for these dogs.

(If I'm dead by then, please carry on without me. Ha!)

I am pictured here with Ezekiel, a stray local to me who was shot in the head and waited at least three days for someone to help him. His alleged abuser will stand trial, and Zeke has become a complete lover, with 25 adoption applications.

He went from being a dog no one wanted, no one would help, and someone went so far as to try to 'off', to being loved, cared for, and sought after. Life's funny like that.

To see his video and make a donation in his name, visit the page at: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/shepherd.html