Pet Talk: Fences for Fido provides early holiday gifts for unchained dogs

Throughout blustery November and December, a group of 25 dog lovers have made their lists, and theyll be checking them twice.

During the evenings after work and on the weekends through the winter months, volunteers with Fences for Fido will brave the elements to distribute holiday gifts to 267 dogs and their owners.

Since the nonprofit first began in May 2009, the volunteer-based organization has helped unchain more than 430 dogs in Oregon and Washington by building fences and insulated dog houses for dogs that live outdoors. By this time next year, they expect to have helped more than 600 dogs.

Each year, the volunteer-based group conducts seasonal spritzers, an annual visit that allows volunteers to check up on the dogs they have unchained and offer a care package to the dogs owners.

They provided a similar welfare check earlier this year during a spring and summer spritzer.

This is our commitment, says Kelly Peterson, the groups co-founder and co-chair. Our promise is that we dont build a fence and then walk away after the fence is built.

During their visits, volunteers will make sure that the fences they built are still intact, the doghouse contains a bed, the dog has sufficient water and seems to be healthy.

Theyll take notes and gauge whether a follow-up visit is needed for instance, if a dog is chained again, or if the doghouse has moisture underneath and needs to be repositioned.

Each volunteer will take on up to 10 homes, delivering bags full of flea medication, treats, winter care tips and bedding. Theyll also help connect the owner with veterinary care, spay/neuter surgeries and dog food if needed.

Joanie McMillan, who is participating in the winter spritzer, has been volunteering with Fences for Fido since January 2010 after reading about the organization in The Oregonian.

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Pet Talk: Fences for Fido provides early holiday gifts for unchained dogs