Volunteers needed to build kennels
UPDATE: January 24, 2008 from team leader on site:
Sat. 9 am – Dark Shoveling and hauling crushed gravel to new kennel area - 2 - 3 people; (we are hoping to have this done prior to the weekend)
Spreading crushed gravel in new kennel areas – 2 people;
Laying paver blocks in new kennels – 2 people per kennel (6 kennels total).
Pounding in poles for new play area – 4 people;
Stringing chain link fencing and wiring together – 4 people. If we have enough material, and enough cleared area, we may be able to set up 2 yards.
Wiring and repairing all new kennels and checking other kennels for possible repairs – 2 people
Setting up a more permanent potty area for both sections of kennels – 2 people
Digging out existing gravel around kennel doors and replacing with crushed rock or paver blocks to help doors swing freely – 2 people
Scrubbing and bleaching out all dog houses, igloos, and replacing straw, if necessary. If it’s still usable, they can set is aside and put it back in. Bleaching and rinsing off pavers, changing water buckets – 2 people per kennel. (this is not definite – will depend on how dogs are reacting)
Sun. 9 am – Dark Completing roofing project – 4 skilled people and 2 laborers;
Adhering composite roofing to all new roof areas – 2 people.
Drainage project
1 person running ditch witch and 1 person checking grade (we have 2 people for this)
1 - 2 people moving dirt away from the ditch;
2 people to shovel and haul gravel down to the ditch project area; (again, hoping this will be done)
2 people to lay gravel in the ditch;
2 people to lay fabric and pipe and complete project.
Banging in poles for perimeter fencing and stringing chain link – 2 – 4 people.
If you can help on the weekend, or have material to donate, contact:
Linda B. McCoy
llbmccoy@comcast.net
ORIGINAL POSTING:
A Snohomish area couple have embarked on a rescue mission to save 30 pit bull terriers, and are in need of community help and resources. The dogs, which were found living in crates, are being moved into kennels as fast as they are being built.
The property owner and her husband are trying to help these dogs, run their business, maintain the property and take care of their own dogs and family. They are overwhelmed and very concerned about the welfare of the dogs.
Linda McCoy, an animal advocate from
Happy Hound Hotel in Sammamish, is coordinating the effort to rally volunteers to build a kennel for these dogs. The plan is to first make the dogs comfortable, get the facility into an operational mode, then start putting the dogs up for adoption. Only a few of the dogs have been assessed so far. There is a need for qualified behaviorial specialists to help assess the temperament of the dogs. However, at the present time, the focus is on the building and set up.
The long term plan is to get the dogs adopted into homes, and care for the remaining ones that may not be adoptable. Foster homes are needed, both short- and long-term.
On Sunday, 1/13, volunteers erected and put on tar paper for one whole section of roof, set up 6 new kennels and cleaned out a lot of mud. Three more sides of roofing still need to be put on. , build at least 10 more kennels and a bigger play yard so these dogs can get exercise. Property is not an issue – they have acreage and are willing to use what is reasonable.
Northwest Organization for Animal Help
NOAH in Standwood has steppd up and offered to have all the dogs spayed and neutered next month. People for Abandoned Pets in Bellevue and NOAH will pick up the costs of spay/neuter.
The food is currently being donated, and they will continue to donate as long as they need it. The property owner is working with the county on getting her 501 (c)(3) non-profit status, and has her temporary kennel license.
What we continue to need for the project:Transportation Volunteers to get the dogs to their spay/neuter appointments.
Dog Walkers and kennel cleaners - willing to commit to one day a month.
Large & Extra-Large Dog Houses, Igloos or Crates – dogs are 65 – 100 lbs.
Crates will suffice temporarily, but keep in mind these dogs are in outside kennels with no heat source other than their coats and some straw. Pit Bulls don’t have a thick fur coat like some of the other breeds.
2x4’s – 8 foot lengths, treated – 66 in total
2x4’s – 12 foot lengths, treated – 20 in total
2x4’s – 16 foot lengths, treated – 12 in total
4x8 OSB (7/16th’s ONLY) OR 4x8 plywood (1/2” ONLY) – 25 sheets
5 rolls of tar paper
3–4 boxes of 3 ½” self-drilling hex screws
Plans for the Weekend of January 19-20: Saturday – doing ground cover, hauling and spreading sand and gravel, leveling out ground and filling in soggy areas. I would imagine people will be here by 10am. If this changes, I’ll notify you.
Sunday – 10am (maybe earlier) – dark. We can put up one more entire side of roofing and depending on donations; we can possibly even get 2 done. Carpentry skills would be most helpful here.
Digging holes for the new kennels and possibly setting the poles. Again, it will depend on materials.
There is a FULL day’s work on Sunday. Come prepared with whatever tools you have, bring water and lunch.
If you can help with either manpower or donations, please contact Linda B. McCoy
llbmccoy@comcast.net
Happy Hound Hotel Story posted by Georgia Butterfield,
Best Friends Network team
Photos supplied by Linda McCoy