Fences for Fido urges giving gift of freedom

The Central Oregon chapter of Fences For Fido would like to let the community know that they can help give the gift of freedom and warmth this holiday season by volunteering, donating, or nominating a dog for a fence.

Fences for Fido is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that provides fences free of charge to families who are keeping their pets outdoors on chains and tethers. Since 2009, the group has unchained over 1,256 dogs in Oregon and southwest Washington.

LaDonna Sullivan, Central Oregon director of Fences For Fido, says the group will continue to build fences and unchain dogs throughout the fall and winter — as long as the snow’s not too deep or the ground too frozen.

“It usually takes just three to four hours on a Saturday or Sunday morning to build a fence, and that dog’s life is changed forever,” she says. Chained dogs who are unnaturally isolated and vulnerable often experience a new sense of calm and a closer bond with their human guardians when they are freed within the safety of a fence.

No fence-building experience is necessary, and Fences For Fido provides all equipment and supplies. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to pick a build and sign up on the website at www.fencesforfido.org.

Those who aren’t able to volunteer can still help by keeping their eyes open for dogs in the Bend/Redmond/Sisters area being kept on chains, tethers, and in small enclosures. Those pets can be nominated for a free fence anonymously at the organization’s website. Families who have chained dogs are also welcome to request a fence themselves, and risk no judgement.

“The majority of families we help love their dogs very much,” says Sullivan. “They just lack the resources to give their pets the life they know they should have.”

In addition to a fence, the organization also provides free, insulated doghouses, spay and neuter services and critical veterinary care if needed for the dogs they help.

The average fence and doghouse costs approximately $800, so the organization is asking that dog-loving residents help provide freedom and warmth to a dog in need by remembering Fences For Fido when they do their holiday giving.

“If you want to make a direct, hands-on difference in the lives of dogs in our community, there’s simply not a better way than to support Fences For Fido,” says Sullivan.