The Caring for Creatures animal sanctuary in Palmyra is working on constructing technologically advanced, first-of-its-kind accommodations for its canine residents.
The so-called dog pod will offer dogs their own individual space inside and access to the outdoors anytime they want, according to the nonprofit sanctuary. The structure is to be built using technology advanced by Florida-based Biotekt, a firm which focuses on sustainable construction.
The finished product is expected to look something like the hobbit-holes of J.R.R. Tolkein’s "Lord of the Rings" stories.
“Each animal will have climate-controlled comfort with access to an outdoor fenced area — so the dogs can get fresh air when they want and come inside when they want," Caring for Creatures Director Stephanie Cimillo told the Daily Progress. "The beauty of this design is that once the shell is completed and waterproofed, a layer of earth and vegetation will go over the structure to act as an insulator against extreme temperatures, making it very energy-efficient."
The sanctuary is inching closer to meeting its $600,000 fundraising goal for the project. It aims to have the dog pod operational sometime next year.
“The timing of completion of the building depends on how quickly we can raise the $167,000 remaining after we count donations received plus pledges as of today,” Cimillo said. “One of the finishing costs will be installation of individualized escape-proof fencing for each dog area."
While there will be some upfront costs in getting the dog pod construction, she said it will ultimately be a more cost-effective option because it will be easier to heat and cool and will not need an expensive HVAC system.
The plan, she said, is to use a mini split in the main chamber of the pod, ceiling fans to supplement cooling and radiant heat panels for supplemental heating.
“The building is also cost-effective in its operation because it will require no exterior painting and no roof replacement,” Cimillo said. “With the lower cost of operation, we can better use our donations to go directly to animal care.”
This is important to Caring for Creatures, because it is more than just a shelter; animal rehabilitation is a major part of its work. That work is made more difficult with so many animals in need of care.
Typically, the sanctuary supports 38 to 40 dogs at any given time, Cimillo said. Today, there are 38 dogs and another 165 cats. Some of those animals may live the rest of their lives at the sanctuary if they are not selected for adoption.
“CFC is a sanctuary which is different from a shelter," Cimillo said. We prioritize good nutrition, training, socialization and veterinary care. This dog pod will allow the staff to keep the animals inside only at the end of the day when the staff leave. We are also limiting the number of dogs in the building to 10-12 because this will create a calmer environment. We hope our dogs find their forever homes, but for those who live out life here, we want to provide the next best thing."
Caring for Creatures is always looking for additional volunteers, adoptive families and donations. Those interested can visit https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=0a4872.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
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