Justin Medve
Special to the Beaver
Stone Mills residents took to a neighbor’s backyard this Saturday to cheer on the finishing steps of a project any animal lover can appreciate – a doghouse fit for man’s best friend.
Newburgh’s Stewart Brooks knew he wouldn’t be holding onto his work from the start. But a worthy cause and some Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) blueprints had him see it through.
Troubling thoughts of dogs left without proper shelter led Stone Mills locals like Jan Samis to form Warmer Dog House, a group determined to raise funds to build dog houses that get donated to the families of pets who need them.
“Maybe they’ve got allergies, maybe they can’t do it themselves. We’re not judging, we just want to make these, provide them to people and we hope that they’ll use them,” Samis said.
OSPCA inspector and major case management team leader Josh Matson stopped in to officiate and further encourage the group’s goodwill.
“There’s a huge shortage for people with appropriate dog houses in the community and we don’t provide those dog houses. — because we’re a charity it’s a huge undertaking for us to take something like this on,” Matson said.
Matson added that plenty of other pet care standards, including ideal doghouse specifications, are available to review in OSPCA handouts.
Samis made note of those standards and shared some little-known facts in her opening remarks. In summary, dogs shouldn’t be outside in unfavourable weather unless they’re bred for it. In that case, they should be acclimated at a young age. Dog houses need to work with the size of the dog, its coat and body heat to ensure safe use in all seasons. Straw makes the best bedding.
Also essential for dogs is staying social, whether in a pack or with people, Samis said.
“Although we would prefer that dogs not be chained, having a warm, dry, shelter during prolonged periods of rain, freezing rain and exceptionally cold temperatures – with the possibility of frostbite – will at least improve their physical circumstances,” Samis said.
While the weather is still favourable, Samis says Warmer Dog House has fundraising covered if more builders can join the cause. The group raised $400 and Samis said it can be done again.
“We feel this is the least we can do for an intelligent species that has given so much to mankind,” Samis said.
School carpentry programs, hobbyists and other locals with a bit of spare time can send interest to warmerdoghouse@kos.net.