A HUGE THANK YOU to Columbus Dog Connection for their donation of 95 raised dog beds!
Thanks to you, our dogs were nestled all snug in their beds for the night before Christmas.
Your hard work and dedication are truly an inspiration.  Your gift reminds us all what good people can do when they really care.
Tina Hayes, Ashtabula County Volunteer         see more pictures on their site

   
 

  This is the pit they saved named Survivor.  He will be going to rescue at the end of the month but has a nice place to rest his bony body while he gains some weight.  Right now he is in better shape then when he came in but has a long way to go - you can still see his ribs and bones - regardless he wobbles over to anyone and everyone to lick and love them.  (He still is pretty weak and has a hard time walking, and standing)

Let me tell you HEARING about Survivor and seeing him were two different things...that boy can't keep his balance he is so weak and still EXTREMELY skinny - they said that he has put on weight but he has a ways to go.  He loved his bed.  Regardless of how weak he is Survivor keeps trying to move and show his love.  I kept trying to get a picture of him in his kennel on it but every time he saw me he would slowly slide off (no energy for hopping) and come to the door but he LOVES it.  And if you want to let CJ know Survivor has his bed....  Oh and he does use the bed every time I went to try to snap a pic of him in his pen he slid off to get some more loving !            Jessica


   
        Harland County KY                                          Harland County KY                                           Paulding Co OH

    

       

   
 
   

     

     

   

   

   

        

            

           

        

                  

                

                            

    
June 25, 2008  Kellie DiFrischia, Columbus Dog Connection, Tammy Ray, Morgan Co Dog Warden, Lisa Swermondt, Morgan Co Volunteer, D Searcy, Columbus Dog Connection, Greg Jackson, Petco, Lillian Creighton, Morgan Co HS.    Picture 2 D Searcy with first round of donations she transported to Morgan Co.
 

September 2008  Hi CDC, Just wanted to let you know that our thank you notes have gone out to all the wonderful folks who contributed to the truck. I am attaching a photo of the truck with the unit installed. We're so thrilled. It's hard to imagine that it has become a reality. We need to still add the signage on the doors and it needs some scrubbing and buffing and the interior fans and lights connected but it is OURS. Your participation in all of this means that our celebration includes you. You'll forever be a part of this truck and when we look at it, we'll see all the good people who helped us so much. Lillian and Tammy and the Morgan County Gang

August 18, 2008  Hi CDC folks, thought you'd enjoy a photo of some pups that absolutely adore the doghouse. They were found abandoned with no mom in a tire dump and have some doggie lice problems that require them to be quarantined away from the shelter. They are having a blast in their new home and will soon be healthy enough to put up for adoption. Thanks for everything. Lillian      (Thanks to CDC volunteer Cacy Rossi for dog house donation and transport)

July 16, 2008    Hi Kellie, The little shy girl, Celia, was abused and she absolutely takes great comfort in her bed. She lays on it all the time and is more content there than anywhere else.  Note one of the dog toys you sent us as well.  We remain grateful as always for the many useful items we can turn to every day as we work with the dogs in the shelter. We have puppies right now, for instance, and those puppy pads are very helpful and sure beat newspaper.    Thanks, Lillian

May 2008  Columbus Dog Connection donated crates, fencing, food, treats, collars, leashes, toys, grooming supplies, flea/tick meds, cat food,stainless steel bowls, towels, shampoo.  Thanks to volunteer D Searcy for filling her van and making the trip to Morgan Co.

                                                                                                    
July 7, 2008   For the full story on Morgan County, visit     www.OhioSPCA.org/counties/Morgan/Morgan.htm  For many years, this animal control was run part time by a dog warden who didn't care, didn't save any dogs and worse, euthanized them by gun shot and even buried some dogs alive.  Sadly, this county is low on funds, but their volunteers are ready to turn things around.  County Commissioners Don Reynolds and Rick Shriver are very supportive. 

Karen Skilken & Debbie Darnell, thank you for your tremendous donations.  Both of these dog lovin dogmanians brought endless supplies of collars, toys,
bowls, beds, treats etc.   Carolyn Edens, Cindy Cleveland, Tim Dowley and Kitty Gereg....thank you for your crates, $ and supply donations.  Danica and Heather from the Paw Spa for the gates and endless small items donated.  Joyce & Bill, none of this would be possible without your continued support. 

Thank you to Greg Jackson & Petco for the generous shopping spree extended to Morgan Co through Columbus Dog Connection. Morgan Co staff/volunteers chose numerous items from the store that will have an immediate impact on the dogs in their care.  Greg, the always smiling and helpful manager at the Petco Lennox location, along with his great staff assisted while Tammy, Lillian and Lisa picked over $500 worth of supplies.  After the shopping spree, Tammy & Lisa filled another pick up truck with food, treats and supplies of all kinds from the Columbus Dog Connection dog/cat supply room.

        Thank you to Trish and Mike Elkind and Barbara and the friendly staff at PetPeople for their donations.
We gave Morgan Co numerous stainless steel bowls from PetPeople as well as food and kennel mats.        

June 30, 2008  Hi Kellie and D, Tammy, Lisa and I want to thank you for all the kindness and help you showed us last week. Items are already being put to good use (the scoopers are a hit with the volunteers who clean!!) and as we become more proficient and organized, they will all play a great role in making life happier and easier for the dogs. I will be writing a thank you note to Greg at Petco. We've also had a full shelter this week, which will be remedied today when Clark County comes to rescue us again by taking the dogs. We've placed numerous dogs ourselves in the past two weeks as well.  It was great to meet you in person, Kellie, and great to see D again. You are doing fine work for shelters like ours that couldn't begin to make a dent in their needs without assistance like yours. Morgan County appreciates all of your members that help make this possible.   Lillian, Morgan Co HS President

June 13, 2008 Dear Kellie & D, I took the money donation to the local hardware and bought a second floor fan. It's already running to cool the dogs which is very much needed on days like today. The local hardware was very nice when they heard it was for Morgan Co HS and gave us a reduced price, so that twenty covered the whole cost. It's nice to see more contentment in the dogs down at the shelter with just these few adjustments to their lives.Thanks for those puppy packs of Heartguard and Frontline. Each day looks a little better for our dogs. We are very grateful for your help and support. All the best, Lillian Morgan Co HS President
 

 
                  July 22, 2006                                         August 26, 2006                                      October 28, 2006
                                                                                more pics from this day                                    part of Make A Difference Day

  Our brain trust, Patty Benkowski and Lisa McCarthy. 
 Lisa and Patty spent many hours coming up with the perfect design for our low cost, easy to assemble beds.

        

        

   

   

       

     

     

 

      

 

Habitat For DogManity 3

June 3, 2006
Meigs County Animal Shelter

Kudos to Meigs County Commissioner Jim Sheets

Commissioner Sheets has given approval to s/n all dogs, that get adopted before they go home.  This is another huge step in the right direction for the dogs and people of Meigs County.  Say thanks to Jim and let him know how important this is by emailing   
Tom, the dog warden,    tbp67_99@yahoo.com

 

 
 
The Dogmanians
These selfless dog people departed Columbus around 6am on their day off work to help the Meigs County Dog Shelter become more dog and people friendly. Our day working began by 8:30 and the last group of volunteers left the shelter at 10pm. 
 

    Articles about Habitat For Dogmanity
The Daily Sentinel    June 2006
The Columbus Dispatch  June 3, 2006
The Daily Sentinel   May 31, 2006  

The Doggie Do-Gooders descended on south-eastern, rural Meigs County to help the homeless dogs and the great people who take care of them. 
Meigs Co is on the W Virginia line. (the boot of Ohio)  We have been asked by many people why we choose to assist Meigs County.  The reason was simple.  We had heard the building needed some better lighting, plumbing and kennel work and we knew the new dog warden and his volunteers were working hard to save the dogs in their county. 

Several projects were completed.  All building walls were covered with insulation, 3 large kennels were converted into 9 smaller kennels.  Puppy/small dog wall units were installed, framing/windows built and installed and a laundry room was created !

The laundry room includes a toilet, 2 sinks, a washer, dryer and hot water heater. John Van Gundy, Mike Hasson, Kim Trackler, Mike Roberts, Dan Sizemore, John Kohler worked tirelessly to take nothing more than a cement slab to a full functioning, insulated, lighted room.  Dan Sizemore & Mike Roberts have gone the extra mile and returned to Meigs County to ensure all connections are working.  What does this mean?  Shelter staff have a restroom and the dogs have a clean bedding to be comfortable with. 

Every project completed will directly and immediately impact the lives of the dogs at this shelter.  Heart felt thanks to all who assisted.
Kellie, Columbus Dog Connection.com

  One of many feel good stories from our day.

You know those stories or pictures that give you a lump in your throat...well this is one of them.  The little pooch you see pictured above with
Meigs Co Animal Control Volunteer Crystal Hall, was found as a stray.  This 10ish pound pooch seemed to be the kid to pick on in the
smaller dog enclosure.  This is actually the reason Crystal is holding him, to give him a break from the other dogs. 

The picture to the right are the kennels that were donated by Rachel Finney and the Union County Humane Society. 

At 9pm, when the dogs were being re-located back into the kennels, this little guy was put into a clean kennel by himself and fell fast asleep with no one to bother or bully him.  I wish I had a picture to share with you, but it stopped me in my tracks...and made every moment of blood, sweat and tears worth the effort.  This little dog is the reason we do Habitat for Dogmanity Projects.

Thank you Rachel and Al at Union County. 
You made such a huge difference to the small dogs and puppies in Meigs County....most especially, the little guy pictured above.     

 

Patty Benkowski, Meigs Co WardenTom Profitt & Marianne Profitt , Twila Edgell, Paula Evans, 2nd Chance HS, Diana & Gary Ramsey, Joyce & Steve Yonker, Amy Andress & Christine Brasel, Ellen Brasel, Lisa McCarthy, Shannon & Jeremy McKnight, Mirna & Lauren Bowman, Karen Skilken, David Hague & Tammy Miller, Kevin & Tami Michael, Dan & Kim Dressel, Marv & Jo Baker, Peg & Rick Kaplan, Mary Lou Kunkler, Helen Lewinski, Wendi & Andy Beauseau, Kim Trackler & Mike Hasson, Bill & Brenda Barcus, John Kohler, Sue Pohler, Mary O'Conner-Shaver, Bill Alsnauer Insurance, Jean Henry, Vicki Baer,Toni Walters, Bill & Joyce Hague,Brian Foss & Joel Hunt, James Mull, Dave Schumacher

Habitat For DogManity  2
November 3, 2002

Volunteers from Columbus Dog Connection gathered once again to complete Habitat for Dogmanity 2.  
On November 3, 2002, eight "Dogmanians" left Columbus for the southern tip of Ohio to build shelters for the dogs with Mike's Dog Cabin. 
For our first Dogmanity Project, we built a "Delta Dog House".  This proto type seems to work well in dryer parts of the country, but did not build or hold up well here in Ohio.  CDC volunteer Amy Andres came up with our own version of the Delta Dog House that will "weather" our climate much better.  The sides of each house sandwich foam insulation and the bottom of the house is set on water proof 2 x 4's.  
For specific instructions on building one of these houses, email us and we will send plans to you.

Mike Hasson and Bill Barcus worked two weeks prior to our Dogmanity 2 to pre-build as much of the houses as possible.  Once we arrived at Mike's Dog Cabin, it was just a matter of assembling the parts of the houses.  Eight new houses were built.  We estimate, depending on dog personalities and sizes, that each house can accommodate 4-8 dogs each.  

Thanks to the Joe Skilken Company for lending the big truck to haul all the house parts.  The cost of building the dog houses was $1200.00.  If you would like to contribute toward the dog house expenses...thank you...the homeless dogs of Mike's Dog Cabin will have a much dryer and warmer winter.
 

Habitat For Dogmanity  1
Spring 2002
See story below pictures

Volunteers with Columbus Dog Connection created their own version of Habitat for Humanity with our version of "Habitat for Dogmanity"  

Twelve members of Columbus Dog Connection drove to the southern tip of Ohio to assist Mike Hailey of Mike's Dog Cabin in constructing runs and dog houses for his rescue. It was an amazing day.  We were able to fully complete 6 new dog runs that were sized about 33 x 70 feet.  Each run had a new gate and several dog houses.

Those who went to Mike’s met on the south side of Columbus at 6am and Ron Blake led us expertly right to Mike’s.  Ron knew a short cut that took us way off the beaten path and saved us half an hour on the road.

We started unloading materials at 8:30 and, working through showers on and off all day, had finished the job at 5:30.  The Delta Dog house projects didn’t go exactly as planned….but our house building crew of Shannon McKnight, Pam Dickey, Amy Andres and Christine Brasel turned obstacles into challenges and …we may have a new “CDC” version of the Delta Dog Houses.  Thanks to Linda Orenchuk for providing the tarps for the Delta Dog Houses and Lisa and Rod Strode for the donation of  2 pre-built dog houses. 

The fence crew, led by Mike Hasson, Jeremy Smedley and Bill Barcus did such a great job of getting the posts driven and the fencing in place.  Kim Trackler and Brenda Barcus worked right behind the fence crew applying the clips that secured the fence. 

Ron Blake was responsible for getting all the gates in place and in working order.  Many thanks to Tim Berical who
assisted us greatly by hauling tools, food and crates to Mike’s.  We joked on the way down that Tim was our “border collie” as Tim brought up the rear of our caravan and anytime we switched lanes…"hearded" Jeremy (who was hauling the trailer with all the equipment) into the proper lane.  Thanks for keeping us together Tim! 

Thanks also to Bert and Jennifer from the Portsmouth Browns Backers.  Bert and Jen helped with fencing and clipping.  Thanks too to Gary Wells of Speer Mechanical for making and donating 2 fence post drivers.  We had several of the drivers and it was convenient to have them scattered about the large area we were in. 

Many thanks to  Peg Kaplan for donating the funds to cover the fence project.  I believe we ended up with 8 extra fence posts and some fencing…..  Thanks Peg….this fencing provided  much space to many many pooches.  And thanks to Rick Kaplan of Pepsi for the donation of Pepsi and water. It was hot and all the drinks came in handy throughout the day. 

Thanks to Lowe's of Dublin, for working with us on the pricing.  Mark Bockey and Joe Jackson of Lowe's were fantastic.  Thanks to Rem, Carl and Roger at Action Rental for lending us building supplies for the weekend.  And thanks to Jeremy for lending his trailer to get everything down to Mike's.

Thanks also to the food committee who provided lunch…Melanie Berical, Mirna Bowman, Kim Trackler and Brenda Barcus.  We were able to snack throughout the day on all the goodies.  We did make the evening news in Huntington WV.  Thanks again to Peg for sending press releases for us.

The reward for everyone involved in this project came at the end of day when Shannon released the first pooch into the new enclosure.  It was a sight to behold…..this medium sized boy wasn’t sure at first what he should do….all this grass…and this huge area to run in……it didn’t take him long to run around without a care in the world….he was rubbing his back on the ground and wiggling ….you should have seen the smile on his face….it was priceless.  Thanks to all of you who made that moment happen.
 
I am overwhelmed with pride for what we accomplished for the homeless dogs of  Mike’s Dog Cabin.
Thanks to all of you for giving to the dogs,          
Kellie 
Columbus Dog Connection