//
you're reading...

Cornelius News

Holly’z Hope helps change the world one dog at a time

Holly'z Hope: Holly Davis with her dog, Grayson

Holly Davis with her dog, Grayson

According to founder Holly Davis, Holly’z Hope has grown quickly since its launch only four months ago. The Cornelius non-profit builds doghouses and fences for dogs that are stuck outside on a tether, sometimes a rope, sometimes a chain.

Davis proposed an anti-tethering ordinance at the Cornelius Town Board meeting Jan. 19. It was warmly received by the town commissioners who will study banning long-term tethering of dogs outdoors.

Besides negatively affecting property values, it’s not good for dogs, not to mention the elderly and children who might wander into the dog’s personal space.

“Tethered dogs become territorial and aggressive,” she said. A chained or tethered dog is often a sign of dog fighting, as well. “If you take away the tethering, it takes away the chances of dog fighting,” Davis said.

It works in other places, including Davidson. In Dodge City, Kan., an anti-tethering law has eliminated many other complaints, such as vicious dogs or dogs without water. “The reason for this is that many of the tethered dogs were those abused dogs. This law has worked out fantastically. It was easier than I thought it would be,” an official there said.

Holly’z Hope also provides veterinary wellness care, pet supplies and education for owners of pets in need. Davis said she started Holly’z Hope to ensure that all dogs have humane living conditions, including dog houses.

For some dogs, of course, a secure dog house is better than no house, no shelter, a collar dug into a neck, a chain too heavy to bear. Davis uses her 1964 Ford pickup to provide dog houses that cost about $60 to build.

The organization’s primary focus is providing proper pet shelter with custom-built doghouses and fences for dogs made to live outside on the end of a chain with no protection from the cold, rain or heat. Fencing costs $500 to $600.

Holly’z Hope also provides veterinary wellness care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, pet supplies, dog food, pet toys, bedding, straw for warmth and tarps for shading. Dog owners are also educated on responsible pet ownership in an effort to reduce over population and inhumane treatment.

“The support we’ve received from the community has been amazing,” said Davis. “I feel fortunate that so many wonderful volunteers have joined our efforts to improve the lives of dogs and their owners,” Davis said. “It is very rewarding, and I’m excited to see all the good work we will do this year.”