NEW BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - Members of the Heart of Missouri Humane Society (HMHS) spent a cold afternoon assembling insulated doghouses that the agency donated to the Callaway Hills Animal Shelter on Tuesday.
"It is a miracle because the houses that showed up today are enough to get everyone in the yard a nice new, warm doghouse tonight," said Carolyn Gass, kennel worker for the shelter. "It is so greatly appreciated that they did this because the doghouses have been in a state of decline, and this is going to make our upkeep so much easier. Hopefully, the dogs won't do too much damage to them, but they look pretty indestructible."
The society is an animal welfare group, but not a shelter service, said Jennifer Tergin, HMHS treasurer.
The large plastic houses may not be indestructible, but that doesn't matter because they come with a lifetime guarantee, said Jackie Fischer, HMHS president. The accommodations are insulated with a floor, roof, four sides and two removable windows to help create a draft for the summer weather. They also have a space to add a solar panel that powers a fan and another space to connect an electric cord that can power a heater, Tergin said.
The canines barked loudly as the houses were being assembled, but some seemed confused about the new housing. Two in particular, Delilah and Butch, could not make heads nor tails of their new belongings. They stood outside of the houses, opting to play with the hay inside rather then go in their new homes.
"We really did not know what to expect with these houses, but they are coming together very quickly," Fischer said. "They have 52 dogs total, and there are 15 living outside. ... We have bought 18 houses. We are trying to get them all put together today and tomorrow. Hopefully, we will get all the dogs out here with houses, and they will have a little extra if they add any more dogs."
The houses cost more than $3,000, Fischer said. The funds were raised through donations and fundraisers that HMHS hosts year round. All the funds donated or raised stay local to benefit shelters in Jefferson City or surrounding areas with projects such as this one, she said.
"There are dogs out here who need homes, who desperately need homes," Fischer said. "We want to get all these dogs out from this cold weather. So if anyone is looking for a dog, they need to come out here and look. There are some great dogs out here."
The animals at the shelter are spayed or neutered, have all their shots and are equipped with a tracking microchip. They are available for adoption or, if someone wants to contribute, sponsorship. The shelter is still in need of donations, either financial or items such as building material for cages, dog toys, food, cat litter, cleaning supplies or even old newspapers. To find out how to help, call the shelter at 573-896-4049.