No Chains, All Love is an anti-tethering dog rescue group led by Joan Sindon. Sindon has been helping save the lives of outdoor dogs for years and she started a rescue organization to step up those efforts.

“The dogs that we are targeting are chained out 24/7, dogs that have been abandoned in backyards,” says Sindon.

When Sindon hears of a dog chained outside, she gets in touch with the owner. If the owner agrees, they come up with a date to meet and the owner signs a waiver, agreeing to release the dog.

“Eighty per cent of the time, they email me back saying that, you know, you’re the answer to our dreams,” says Sindon.

Since No Chains, All Love started in Beaverbank, N.S. six months ago, Sindon has spent $12,000 of her own money, finding dogs and convincing their owners it is better to surrender them to her, rather than leave them outside.

Sindon has rescued 23 dogs since the operation began.

“The dog is completely unprotected (when they are chained),” says Sindon. “Anything could walk by and abuse it. Other dogs could come by and fight with it.”

On Dec. 23, the SPCA found a female dog frozen to death in North Preston, N.S. Two people have now been charged with animal cruelty in connection with the case.

The incident sparked an outcry for legislation to protect dogs and the Nova Scotia government says there is legislation in the works to address the issue. 

“They’re talking by the end of February that they’re going to have things to give back to the animal advocacy community and it’s going to be a good thing,” says Sindon.      

Sarah Dolan is one of the 85 members of No Chains, All Love. She is a foster pet parent and, in addition, her talents as a dog trainer help aid the pups in their recovery.

“I’ve chosen to work with Joan, mainly, because they’ve all been on chains and they need that second chance to learn how to be a dog,” says Dolan.

It also takes patience to be a foster pet parent as the chained dogs are not often house trained.

“Never been in a house, never been on a leash, never been around children or cats or people,” says Dolan.

However, Dolan says the work is worth it.

“They just haven’t had the chance to experience life and once they realize that is what you’re giving them, then they’re more than willing to learn,” says Dolan.

With files from CTV Atlantic'a Gena Holley