PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman Tackles Your Tough Questions and Tricky Situations

I often drive past a chained dog who is always out there and always looks lonely. What can I do?

It sounds as if this dog is being chained up like an old bicycle! Did you see that touching video of the Florida troopers who found a dog tied to a fence in rising water as high as his stomach during Hurricane Milton? They didn’t keep right on driving, and you shouldn’t, either. Some areas ban or restrict chaining, and all dogs must have suitable shelter from the elements and some standard care. If this dog’s living conditions are illegal, call local law enforcement right away. If not, try approaching the owners in a super-friendly way, asking if you can take the dog for daily walks – perhaps mention that theirs reminds you of one you once knew. Keep coming back (and being friendly); say you’ve brought the pup a toy or treat. From there, you can make sure that the dog’s shelter is sturdy with a covered door and insulating straw (both are cheap at hardware stores), their water bowl is clean and filled, and they’re receiving food and veterinary care. Some PETA members have gotten dogs off chains just by asking if they could adopt them – it works. One day, that lonely pup could be in your car riding along with you!

I’m vegan, and I’d like to transition my dog and cat to vegan food, too. But don’t they need meat?

Let’s ask Bramble what she thinks: This vegan dog lived to be 25! Commercial pet foods are often made of ground-up animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption and contain harmful hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. Who needs that? PawCo Foods, V-dog, Amì, Petaluma, Benevo, WySong Vegan, and Wild Earth have vegan options, and there are plenty of recipes for healthful companion animal meals online. Make sure that your dog’s food has amino acids L-carnitine and taurine and that your cat’s food contains vitamin A, taurine, and arachidonic acid. If it doesn’t, add supplements.