John and I are new Idahoans, having moved from the East Coast, and have been active in animal rescue (it seems like forever). Of course we brought all sixteen of our "thrown away" animals with us. (It was no fun, for them or us, traveling for four days.) Before we left Virginia, we were part of a program that would build dog houses and provide them to chained dogs that were inadequately housed. NC has a similar program that uses prisoners to build the houses. Now that we have just about settled in here and have our own menagerie properly housed, we are going to continue the program in Eastern Idaho.

It is a simple program. We build the dog houses according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals guidelines and then drop off a house where it is needed. What we need from the community are supplies such as 2 x 4's, plywood, roofing materials, and paint. Anderson Lumber in Logan is letting us have roofing and paint supplies at a greatly reduced price which helps cut down on our costs immensely. One donated 2 x 4 cuts down on the cost of a house by 8%. The wood does not have to be brand new we can use recycled wood. Every little bit helps!

A medium house for a cattle dog size costs about $27 and a larger house, for a lab type runs about $35 if we have to purchase items new. For those of you interested in building your own, we have the plans and will gladly share them. It takes about 2-2 1/2 hours per house to build.

Should you know of a dog in need, let us know. We already have four on the list. And, please remember, Idaho is too great to litter. Spay and neuter your pets. For every pet that is adopted, nine are killed. There are programs that will help with the costs also. Let us know if you are interested in helping with our program or even starting one in your area.

In Bear Lake County contact HABITAT FOR HUMANESS, C. Elliott 19951 US HWY 89 OVID, IDAHO 847-0848 celliottt@yahoo.com

And in Bannock County, contact Mandy Peace of the Bannock Humane Society, M. Peace" animal_lvr@hotmail.com

Thanks for caring.

C. Elliott