We have all seen a dog tied up in a back yard in our community: Day after day, tied to the back porch, fence, tree or clothesline. Tangled up in branches, chains, wire or rope. Lying lonely on a pad of bare dirt or concrete. The water bowl, if there is one, empty, just out of reach or full of green slime and dirt.

The dog is abandoned to a chained life of little comfort, shelter or companionship. In the winter they are wet and cold, and in the summer they languish in the heat year round, they suffer.

There is no law saying that a dog can’t be forced to live outside alone and away from their human pack, but to force this kind of life on a dog is one of the worst things you can do. Dogs are pack animals and being alone goes against their most basic instinct.

Do you doubt this? Think of all the whining, barking, chewing or digging dogs you have seen tied alone outside. Dogs displaying these behaviors are desperately trying to get the attention of their human families.

Dogs chained in a yard are more likely to be anti-social and possibly bite. People rationalize keeping their dogs tied up by saying that they spend time with them. But under the best of circumstances, the dog typically gets a bowl of food and water and a quick pat on the head and maybe a few minutes of contact with its owner every day.

So, what can you do? Talk to a trainer, your veterinarian or the shelter about bringing your dog indoors with the rest of the family. Dogs offer steadfast devotion, joyful companionship and unconditional love.

Also, help teach children proper companion animal care. Be sure to talk to your neighbors if they have a backyard dog that needs attention.

Midge Grinstead is executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society. She can be reached at lawhumane@ljworld.com.