Students Build Insulated Dog Houses for Pets Who Need Winter Shelter
By Amy Polk

Kim Leapley and her son, Blake Leapley-Wiser, age 5, said they are glad they can keep their dog, Nakomis, warm this winter in a dog house provided by the Friends of the Animals and made by Cedarville High School students. The insulated house is lined with straw, and after it was delivered, it was used immediately by the family's dog, who lives outdoors.

Free, insulated dog houses are available to pet owners who need them by calling the Friends of the Animals.

Lorie Thompson of Cedarville is a member of the Friends, and said she has been able to identify some of the needy animals while driving the bus for Les Cheneaux Community Schools.

"It bothers me at night sometimes, when I see a dog without a house," Mrs. Thompson said.

Police officers, Mackinac County Animal Control Officer Wendy Frosland, and neighbors have also helped identify dogs that need shelter.

This is the third year the group has offered homes, and Mrs. Thompson estimates the group has supplied at least eight dog houses to people over the years.

The organization is working with Les Cheneaux Community Schools industrial arts students Bobby Coady, Ryan Pollard, Kevin Thompson, and Austin Walker to build the dog houses. Taylor Lumber, Thick-N-Thin Lumber, both of Cedarville, and Tom Scales of Pine River have donated materials and assistance.

Cedarville High School students (from left) Kevin Thompson and Ryan Pollard measure part of a doghouse frame at the Les Cheneaux Community Schools industrial arts workshop.

Industrial arts teacher Gary Wellnitz said students have built three houses and have enough wood to make five.

In addition to providing shelter for dogs, the project allows students to volunteer for community service to help them qualify for college scholarships.

Friends of the Animals also offers free straw for insulation and bedding for pets, available at Cedar Pantry in Cedarville or at McFarlane's County Corner in St. Ignace.

For a dog house, call 643-6252.

Friends of the Animals also offers a reduced-price spay and neuter program called Pet Fix, for people unable to afford the full price of the procedure for their pets. The Friends will give certificates good for a $30 spaying procedure or $20 neutering procedure to people who request them. The certificates are good at Animal Kingdom Veterinary Clinic in Sault Ste. Marie.

Donations to the dog house program can be mailed to Friends of the Animals, P.O. Box 23, Cedarville Michigan 49719.