Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge is a local chapter of the national Dogs Deserve Better (501c3). Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge's mission is to help outside dogs in need in Central Virginia. Many dogs in this area are kept outside 24/7 with far from adequate shelter, food, water, medical care, and even attention. Most are not only kept outside but are also tethered to the same spot their entire lives. Virginia laws are quite archaic and do little to protect them. Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge is focused on not only getting dogs off the chain and improving their lives, but also showing up in Richmond to help change the laws for better protection. The approach with the owners of the dogs is one of education and respect as it is never known what each person's situation is, so Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge meets them where they are. Dogs Deserve Better is an all-volunteer organization. 100% of donations are put toward helping outside dogs in Central Virginia.