ABOUT US
Dogs Deserve Better, Blue Ridge is a local chapter of Dogs Deserve Better, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing chained and penned dogs.
Our mission is to provide a better life for abused, neglected and abandoned canines. We strive to accomplish this by advocating for humane legislation, promoting spay and neuter, educating communities on animal welfare, and finding loving families for once forgotten souls. We have an all volunteer team, committed to helping dogs in need in Central Virginia.
WHAT WE DO
We advocate for dogs that live outside in Virginia. Ultimately we want every dog in Virginia to be inside and we are working hard to make that happen!
WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES
We strive to find new strategies to get outside dogs the inside life they deserve. Often this comes after building a relationship with the family. Getting a dog off a chain is something that we take very seriously, and our team is working each and every day to make it a reality for dogs.
INSIDE LIFE
At Dogs Deserve Better, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts to work with families who believe outdoor living is the only option. Many times, it becomes generational expectations, which through a respectful and understanding relationship, can change. We are dedicated to give people the tools they need to make that change.
ADOPT
We strive to give dogs the best life we can, and sometimes that involves finding new homes where they can live inside as a cherished family member. If you are interested in fostering or adopting, please contact us!
NEW LAWS
We are working with state and local lawmakers to change the standard of living for outside dogs in Virginia. Under current state law, it is legal to chain a dog outside 24/7, regardless of weather conditions. We know this is the number one barrier to getting ALL dogs the life they deserve inside.
VIDEOS
PHOTOS
LEADERSHIP TEAM
KIMBERLY HAWK
Co-President
Kimberly has a passion for outdoor chained and penned dogs and is working to help change the tethering laws in Virginia. She is actively working with other groups on legislative issues focusing on Virginia laws pertaining to outdoor dogs.
Kimberly graduated from Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Kimberly lives with her two dogs, Duncan and Millie. Duncan was a chained, neglected dog the first 3 years of his life but has been living indoors with her since 2015. She adopted Millie from Caring for Creatures in 2013. Millie was 8 years old then and is now a happy senior girl who rules the household!
ROZ WILLIS
Co-President
Roz was born in the Hampton Roads area and had the opportunity to move across the country and world thanks to growing up in a military family. Eventually she felt the Shenandoah Valley was where she belonged and moved to Staunton in 2016.
Roz is a life-long dog lover. In addition to the work she does with Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge, she is particularly passionate about educating to eliminate the misconceptions surrounding pit bulls and ending Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). Roz's teenage son has followed in her footsteps and is deeply passionate about rescuing and educating as well.
Roz has worked in the insurance industry for 15 years and has the good fortune to work from home. Her Staffordshire Terrier, Abbey, is often snoozing under her desk. Working from home also allows Roz to be able to take care foster dogs during all hours of the day.
CONTACT US
Thanks for getting in touch with us. If you are looking to report a property, please click the button below. The more information you can provide, the better!
GRANTS & SUPPORT
We couldn't do this work without the grants and support from corporate sponsors and donations. Thank you!
