Each fall, we ask for your help for an upcoming special project. This year’s project is in progress as we write! Typically, we don’t start a project before we fund it, but this one had a very limited window of opportunity tied to the weather. Let us explain.
When our founders moved to this beautiful eight-acre property, there was nothing but a rundown house and a large, empty, metal barn. In recent years, we have transformed almost every space, including the construction of a modern kennel, a new puppy palace, a much more efficient office space where forever matches are made, and, last year, a medical ward for recovering dogs and a fully-equipped vet clinic where Dr. Mary LoCicero and her protégés donate their time weekly. The one space that never received any love was our old, worn-out kitchen, laundry, and grooming area – Dog Central – the hub where our volunteers labor so devotedly for the dogs. In honor of our 25th Anniversary and our commitment to continuous improvement…it finally got some love!
Dog Central is where we prepare the dogs’ meals, do endless loads of their laundry, and bathe and groom the dogs to look and feel their best. The area was extremely cramped. Imagine preparing meals for 25 dogs on a 28-inch long counter that also housed piles of dog bowls, supplements, and a computer to track each meal order.
It was beyond dusty, with ceiling insulation regularly falling on unsuspecting human and canine heads. It was very cold or very hot – without heat or air-conditioning for our hard-working volunteers…and a grossly inadequate supply of warm water for dog baths. And, with an open attic, there were way too many spaces for little critters to find their way in!
The same team that transformed our other spaces has been hard at work remaking this heart of our operation. The timing was dictated by a brief weather window as all equipment for laundry, dishwashing, and sanitizing had to be moved outside once the rains ended, and we raced to finish before soaring temperatures caused our equipment (and volunteers!) to melt. Now, nearly finished, it will be the clean, sealed, temperature-controlled hub that the dogs and volunteers deserve. Watch the “before” and “in progress” video!
New Dog Central is outfitted with a tankless hot water heater for always-warm dog baths, stainless steel countertops for sanitary food preparation, tons of storage space, a dropped ceiling to keep old foam insulation out and heated and cooled air in, an actual attic staircase with a door to keep critters out, and a new high-capacity and energy efficient dryer for faster and less costly laundry loads. We are so excited to show it off!
Despite using volunteer labor, the total project cost came to $110,500 for materials, redirecting the septic system, professional installation of HVAC, flooring, sheetrock, and the new industrial dryer. We pulled from our general fund to complete the project within the limited window. We’re counting on your help to return those funds to direct dog care. Can you help?
While our founders are no longer with us to celebrate our 25th year with the completion of this special project, we know they would approve. Donate, or Sponsor to Join Our 25th Anniversary Remembrance Circle.
Sponsors will be identified in a 25th Anniversary Remembrance Circle and Plaque in the Memorial Garden in honor of our founders, their inspiration, and all who have made their dream a reality.
YOU CAN HELP: SPONSOR
Sponsor Level: $5,000+
In honor of Jody and Mike Jones, our founders, whose dream lives on.
Shared Donor Plaque Beside Remembrance Circle
Name in Newsletter
Our Sincere Gratitude
Sponsor Level: $2,500-$4,999
In honor of Chelsea, the Jones’ Golden girl who inspired it all.
Shared Donor Plaque Beside Remembrance Circle
Name in Newsletter
Our Sincere Gratitude
Sponsor Level: $1,000-$2,499
In honor of those who imagined what 8 acres of farmland could become.
Shared Donor Plaque Beside Remembrance Circle
Name in Newsletter
Our Sincere Gratitude
Sponsor Level: $500-$999
In honor of the volunteers who make it happen.
Shared Donor Plaque Beside Remembrance Circle
Name in Newsletter
Our Sincere Gratitude
YOU CAN HELP: GIVE WHAT YOU CAN
Every gift helps us to our goal!
Give securely online. Click the Donate button.
Or mail your donation to:
Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue
Attn: New Dog Central
7495 Natomas Rd.
Elverta, CA 95626