Volunteers Sought for Doghouse-Building Event to Aid Dogs in Need

Kane’s Krusade, a nonprofit organization that helps dogs in need in the greater Springfield area, is seeking volunteers to assist with a doghouse-building event on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 from 8am-4pm. The purpose of the event is to successfully build seven doghouses that are fully insulated, raised off the ground and weather proof. The doghouses built by volunteers will be donated to provide insulated shelter for dogs whose owners cannot afford one.

Dogs make fantastic family pets – when trained and lovingly cared for, they are wonderful companions. Pups of all shapes and sizes provide friendship, snuggles, and energetic playtime for families. Pets are, however, affected by the changes that take place within a household and, sometimes, when families experience difficult times, pets’ lives change, too. Luckily, Kane’s Krusade has come to the rescue! Kane’s Krusade offers support and resources for canine-owning community members who love their pets but experience difficulty in properly caring for them. People served by Kane’s Krusade are disabled, elderly, unemployed, and/or living on a fixed income and, without the organization’s help, might be forced to give up their beloved furry friends.

This fall, Kane’s Krusade is offering a unique opportunity for families to help out in supporting dogs in need! In order to ensure that outdoor dogs are safe and healthy during the harsh winters that we experience in New England, the organization is hosting a Dog House Build Off…

Held on Saturday, November 2nd, the build-off is an event at which volunteers work together to build warm, sturdy “Kondos” for pups who winter outdoors. Some of these dogs (huskies in particular) choose to stay outdoors, while others must do so because of the circumstances under which their families live. However, thanks to Kane’s Krusade, many local pups will be warm, cozy, happy, and healthy this winter.

In order to participate, community members are asked to organize teams of 4-5 members and raise at least $300 before the event. The money raised will cover the cost of the dog house, as well as the contents of the CARE (Canine Assistance, Resources, and Empowerment) Kit given to families, which includes a vet visit, vaccinations, ID tags, a heated water dish, a leash, food, and maybe even a chew toy Hilltown Families’ volunteers made at our Family Community Day of Service event this past spring.

No construction experience is necessary in order to participate, but it is certainly useful. While there isn’t an age limit for participating children, they need to be old enough in order to wield tools and participate in the building process. Working to build the “Kondos” is a great way for kids to experience hands-on opportunities for the care of animal companions while learning some carpentry and design skills! Following building plans requires careful reading and some basic engineering skills, and it can be a great outlet for the energy of upper elementary school students!

The event will be held from 8am-4pm on Saturday, November 2nd, and will take place at 77 Mill Street in Springfield. Volunteers must register before the event, as space is limited. Visit the event website for more information!

[Photo credit: (ccl) Sara]