Sequim Gazette staff
Welfare for Animals Guild is launching a capital campaign to purchase a house with acreage in the Sequim area.
The new facility will enable WAG, a local nonprofit organization, to significantly increase its capacity for taking care of lost, neglected, injured, abandoned or surrendered dogs.
WAG currently uses foster homes to care for rescued dogs but too often is running out of room, said Paula Creasey, the organization’s secretary.
At the same time, she added, the current poor economy has led to a steady increase in the number of dogs needing to find homes.
WAG is looking to purchase a facility with five or more acres to provide a home-like environment for rescued dogs until they find their “forever” homes. The campaign goal is $750,000.
During the day, rescued dogs will have large fenced play areas so they can run freely and socialize with the other dogs and volunteers. Inside, they will have a community area where they can lounge, play and listen to soothing background music. At night each dog will have its own bed.
Creasey said they plan for a facility to house 20-30 dogs at a time, with a caretaker on-site 24 hours a day.
She added that all dogs in WAG’s care are given lots of love, attention and exercise.
Going to the dogs
“We are enlisting the support of our community members and leaders who have a passion for the welfare of all animals with this project,” said Judy Stirton, WAG board president. “With the increase in the number of surrendered, abandoned and abused dogs, we know that our new facility will be a safe haven for them.”
In case of an emergency, the WAG facility also will be available for Clallam and Jefferson County Disaster Response Teams for animal assistance.
WAG is a volunteer dog rescue network on the Olympic Peninsula. All WAG dogs are dogs are spayed, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and provided with appropriate veterinary care. Before placing a dog in a permanent home, WAG ensures the new home will provide a loving, appropriate environment.
A current list of available dogs can be found on www.petfinder.com or drop by the Co-Op Farm and Garden in Sequim on the second Saturday of the month to meet dogs ready for adoption. For more information on the capital campaign, call Mary Ann Langan at 683-0932.
