Hi All

Dogmanity Events Habitat for Dogmanity was a single event we did in 2002 at a rescue in Southern Ohio. The event went so well (bottom of page) that we continued the Dogmanity events when we heard of a need and had the resources and manpower to make a difference. Below you will see the stories behind all our Dogmanity events over the years. Dogmanity involves physical improvements at shelters/rescues or large donation drives or elevated dog making or whatever needs done for the dogs.
October 25, 2008 National Make a Difference Day

Harrison Co Population 16,000 September 10, 2008
Thanks to Columbus Dog Connection volunteer Jane Mills for filling her sport utility and traveling to Harrison Co with our donations. Food, tons of treats, toys, collars, leashes, bowls, shampoo, towels, trash bags, dog breed poster, clippers, gloves, 6 crates, Clorox, 2 box fans, gift certificates, $, buckets, mops, offices supplies, flea/tick meds, tie outs are some of the things we've sent so far. The wonderful gang at Bath & Body Works for not only donating the dog supplies, but a awesome basketful full of personal care for the dog warden ! What a treat he is in for. Thank you Heather Shea, Jessica Dotson and co-workers ! Thanks to Dena Shillingburg from Lane Bryant and Terri Cohee and Debbie Darnell. Thanks to Heidi's Homemade in Grandview for being a drop off spot and of course all the wonderful people who donated items to make the Harrison County dog pound a better place for the dogs. We believe Harrsion County is the only Ohio county to house their dogs outside. Our original plan was to assist in building walls on their dog gazebo, but the commissioners are hopefully going to allow the warden to utilize empty county space. We have one more load of food and supplies to take to Harrison Co along with a donation of our elevated dogs beds to follow soon. Robin McClelland is the contact in Harrison County Robin_Mcclelland@verizon.net Harrison County Commissioners can be reached at 740-942-4623 or Commissioners34@verizon.net (Co Commissioners are William Host, pictured above, Phillip Madzia, Michael Vinka) Items still needed: small fridge, shelving, 4 x 4 pegboard, panacure, storage shed, truck, straw
Dogmanity in Pendelton Co Kentucky by Luv 4 K9's in Dayton
August 30, 2008 We had a ball !! 18 people turned out Saturday. We had a bed making party last Sunday. All 25 dogs got beds, their kennels cleaned, walked, brushed and got new toys, lots of treats and rawhides. We got Stanley Steamer to steam the floors. We took 8 big tubs full of food and for storage...enough food for a couple of months. We ran two outlets for wet vacs/fans, fixed the hot water heater, repaired cages, introduced dogs to people who might be able to get them out of that shelter. Thank you for sharing Dogmanity with us. We love your website, we send a lot of adopters, fosters and people who email us asking how they can help with puppy mill dogs to the Columbus Dog Connection web site. We never miss a Mingle With Our Mutts Adoption event in Dayton or a chance to tell anyone about the Columbus Dog Connection Habitat for Dogmanity and Elevated Dog Bed program.
Morgan Co OH Animal Control Population 15,000 June 25 & May 2008 & ongoing
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
Paulding Co OH Animal Control Population 20,000 January 2008
Donations made from Columbus Dog Connection -food, treats, collars, leashes, a microwave, crates, 1 elevated dog bed, canned food, toys, tennis balls, cloth for more elevated beds Thanks to Ron & Kris Huffman for their donations and time in hauling the goodies to Mandy in Paulding Co.
Adams Co OH Animal Control Population 27,000 August 2007		Perry Co Humane Society Population 34,000 July 2007
David Hague & Tammy Miller donated their well kept van to Adams Co. We didn't want to send an empty van, so we filled it with food, treats, tennis balls, cleaning supplies, 2 hoses, a digital camera, blankets & toys. Heidi's Homemade collected donated items. And BarkPark donated a huge list of standard operating equipment such as bite gloves, a catch pole, medicine and much more.
Habitat for Dogmanity 4 Elevated Dog Bed Building July 22, 2006 August 26, 2006 October 28, 2006		The inspiration for our beds, getting the dogs in shelters off the wet pavement. Notice the dog in the white container?
Columbus Dog Connection was moved to create a low cost elevated dog bed. Although this had been on our to do list for several years, we were moved to action after we did a shelter make over at Meigs County, (see below). A few Doggedly Dedicated Dogmanity Do'ers, pulled their creative talents and came up with an easy and inexpensive way for anyone to build an elevated dog bed. For just $12 in supplies, you can build an elevated dog bed for your shelter or rescue organization. Click here for detailed instructions. On 3 different occasions, volunteers with Columbus Dog Connection gathered to build dog beds for homeless dogs in rural Ohio Shelters. In all, we have built 267 beds. A few of the beds have gone to rescues, but most are now being used by dogs in rural Ohio shelters. Below are picture from all 3 dog making events as well as pictures of the beds being used in the shelters. We were most tickled to hear about Porter...a cute mix at the Fayette County Animal Control. Lee, the dog warden, told us "Porter didn't move from it all day" after he put the bed in his kennel.				267 Dog Beds Donated to: -Meigs County Animal Control Population 23,000 -Mike's Dog Cabin -Holly's Animal Haven -Fayette Co AC Population 28,000 -Morgan Co AC Population 15,000 -Seneca Co AC Population 59,000 -Mercer Co AC Population 41,000 -Hocking Co AC Population 28,000 -Logan Co AC Population 46,000 -Jackson Co AC Population 33,000 -Vinton Co AC Population 13,000 -Monroe Co AC Population 15,000 -Pike Co AC Population 28,000 Beds Made by friends of 3 Lab Home Improvements -Hardin Co AC Population 32,000 -Guernsey Co AC Population 41,000 We were fortunate to have many companies and individuals sponsor our bed building projects. Capital City Awning Harrington Plastics Hague Water of Columbus Quizo's on the Cap Available Plastics IPEX Inc BarkPark.org Debbie & Dale Darnell Charlie Vince Thanks to the many people who sent money to help us build one or more dog beds. You can see pictures from our bed building days below.
Fayette County Population 28,000 Jackson County Population 33,000 Thanks for Missi Hamilton from Bark Till Dog Park for delivering the beds. Monroe County Population 15,000 Seneca County Mercer County Population 59,000 Population 41,000			How our beds helped a long term shelter pooch in New York From Donna in New York So far I've made a number of the beds for my local feral cat rescue and local dog shelter. It's going well and my husband and I really enjoy making them. I actually have a wonderful story about the first bed we made. Attached is a photo of Turbo.....he'd been at the Schuyler Shelter for MORE THAN A YEAR. He got the first bed we sent to Schuyler and this is a photo of him using it. He LOVED it they said. Funny thing is, within one week of getting the bed, he was FINALLY adopted. They said he stopped "rushing" the front of his cage whenever someone came to see him because he was so cozy on his bed. People finally started noticing him for the nice dog he was and BINGO.....he has a wonderful home now! Gave me goosebumps when they told me. I thought that was pretty cool. Sure makes me want to make more beds.....for Harlan in Kentucky and as many other places as possible! Meigs County Population 23,000

The people you see pictured below gave their time to build dog beds ! Heart felt thank you to these selfless Dog Bed Building Dogmanians !
July 22, 2006 August 26, 2006 October 28, 2006 part of Make A Difference Day
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.
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.	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 County is on the West 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
Donations BarkPark.org - Many thanks to Marcia and the BarkPark funding board for covering the expenses for supplies for Dogmanity. Thanks to all of you who donated supplies, drinks, money, food ! 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	Volunteers The dogs of the Meigs County Shelter are more comfortable because of the efforts of the selfless people listed below. Words don't do justice to thank these people for giving their time to help the neediest of dogs in Ohio. Kim Trackler & Mike Hasson, Bill Barcus, John Kohler, Mike Roberts Dan Sizemore, Lois Mannon, Tom Van Gundy, Tony Crooks, Ron Blake, Susan Myerowitz, Melanie Cornelius, Bev Corner, Lisa McCarthy, Paula Reed, D Smith, Curtis & Theresa Spencer, Randy Wooddruff, Jason & Crystal Hall, Sarah Dailey, Ashley Hager Super kid helpers, Matthew & Nick

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.
	CDC Volunteers front row, Mike Hasson, Ron Barcus, Mike of Mike's Dog Cabin back row, Kim Trackler, Brenda Barcus, Ron Blake, Tim Berical, Kellie DiFrischia taking the picture, Chuck Penrod Thanks also to Pam Herb, Melanie Berical, Mirna Bowman and Karen Skilken for lunch, supplies and the truck.

Habitat For Dogmanity 1 Spring 2002 See story below pictures

How our day went...

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