Breaking the Chain was a good lesson for our students. We look forward to working with you again.  - Joey DeLaHuerta, former assistant principal, Moya Elementary School, Phoenix

The program was great for our kids because we are a character counts school. The contest was helpful because children relate to animals even t hose who don’t necessarily relate well to people. All kids are aware that animals are living beings and feel pain, emotion, and need to be cared for properly.  - Sandy Tarleton, Village Meadows Elementary School, Deer Valley

I love what Arizona has done with Breaking the Chain. I’m hopeful schools across the country will model a program after this. We at Dogs Deserve Better are 100% behind this endeavor. - Tammy Grimes, found and president, Dogs Deserve Better

Thousands of dogs suffer while on a chain. Many have limited access to food, water and shelter. Our children can be the next generation to make changes for tomorrow. This simple contest was highly successful last year and a first step in creating awareness to the plight of chained dogs.  - Bari Mears, founder and president, PACC 911 (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition) 

Violence rips families apart. Educating children how to stop violence begins with teaching care of their pets. Breaking the Chain of violence begins with teaching children compassion. It’s simple and effective, just like the contest.  - Thelda Williams, section commander, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

How we treat and respect our animal friends reflects on us as a society. Breaking the Chain teaches children the importance of animals in our lives and how to treat them with respect.  - Pam Gaber, founder and president, Gabriel’s Angels

Breaking the Chain is one step in teaching our children kindness.  - Dr. Christina Risley-Curtiss, Associate Professor of Social Work, Arizona State University

This project was something that every one of my students, even the hesitant writers, really enjoyed. I also enjoyed reading the results.  - Kelly Reagan, former third grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, Mesa

Breaking the Chain motivated my class to do their best writing. The students loved writing about animals and enjoyed finishing a story started by a published writer. I would recommend this contest to any classroom.  - Roger Lundberg, third grade teacher, Las Brisas Elementary School, Phoenix

My students enjoyed writing their stories about taking care of their animals.  - Sheri O’Hair, third grade teacher, Sweetwater Elementary School, Phoenix

Most children love animals. That’s why Breaking the Chain is the perfect writing contest for children. The fictional characters – Harriet, a feisty feline, and Joey, a chained dog left outside - are sure to ignite children’s imagination, and most importantly, cultivate kindness towards animals.  - Maryann Mott, freelance writer, Payson, AZ

I can’t wait to use Breaking the Chain here in Kauai (Hawaii). Dogs on chains are a common occurrence here and getting the children to write about the problem can be a beginning to getting the dog to become part of their families.  - Carol Everett, Humane Educator, Kauai Humane Society