Fences For Fido Mission
On May 23 2009, a small group arrived at the NE Portland home of Chopper, a big hunk of a dog who spent day after day, year after year, isolated from his family, chained to a tree. Chopper spent so many years tied to that one section of yard that he wore down the confines of his small world to bare ground.
Fortunately, within just a few hours on that sunny, May day, Chopper experienced freedom for the first time in six years. Once a sad, sullen dog, Chopper bounded around his new yard, smiling and wagging his tail…truly joyful. Following the build, his person Keith wrote to Fences For Fido saying, “I realize now he is so much happier being off the chain. Never again on a chain!” The fence encouraged Keith to spend more time with Chopper, changing their relationship forever (video of Chopper's build).
The work of Fences For Fido is deeply rooted in making that kind of change between a dog and his family, but our work does not end there. We create safer and improved conditions for chained dogs by providing shelter, veterinary care, and spay and neutering services when necessary. We work to educate families on how to best care for their four-legged family members during the heat of the summer and the cold, wet winter months. Twice a year our team of tireless volunteers visits all of the dogs in the FFF family to make sure they remain unchained, safe and healthy.
With more than 235 dogs already unchained since May 2009, the mission of Fences For Fido continues. With generous help from our volunteers and donors, FFF hopes to share many more success stories.
Chained to Free
Rocky existed alone, staked to bare earth on a hillside in rural Oregon, far from the family home. His spirit broken, roaming neighborhood dogs would regularly come to Rocky’s muddy patch of land and steal his food, leaving him hungry. Unable to defend himself due to the chain, Rocky survived year after year in desperate isolation.
Dogs who are chained for unending periods of time will react in one of two ways. They will become listless and depressed, or violently aggressive. As pack animals, dogs thrive with socialization and companionship. Living a life alone and chained can change a dog’s natural gentle temperament into a threatening one. The Centers for Disease Control states that chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite than unchained dogs. A chained dog who gets loose can pose a real threat to a neighborhood. Fences For Fido not only allows a dog to be a dog, but also helps to keep communities safe.
Today, Rocky roams in a big, fenced yard and has the company of Skylar, another dog previously chained on the property. No longer isolated or threatened by other dogs, Rocky now enjoys companionship and freedom instead of merely existing alone.
Alone to Loved
Many families we work with do love their dogs. In some cases, they simply don’t know a better way than the chain. In other situations, people do not have the resources to build a fence for their dog. When it comes down to it, most of our clients truly want a better life for their dog and are grateful for the help Fences For Fido provides. But a few of our stories have a different ending. Sometimes, a family has decided that relinquishing their dog is ultimately the right thing to do. Our foster program offers dogs once lonely and unloved the chance to know the warmth and bond of a family.
Willie lived for seven years on a six-foot chain in a dark, filthy backyard in North Portland with little interaction from his humans. Shortly after building a fence for Willie, the family surrendered him, giving Fences For Fido the opportunity to change one dog’s life forever. Today, Willie is surrounded by companionship, comfort and love. He spends his days in doggie day care or tucked at the feet of his new, loving guardian by her desk at work. No longer chained, no longer alone, no longer unloved. The dedication of Fences for Fido’s foster parents and outreach workers give deserving dogs’ new life. Willie’s forever family says, “We love him so much! He will always have the best we can give. Thank you FFF for bringing us together.”
Cold to Warm
Imagine spending an entire day outside, in 20-degree weather with wind and sleet coming at you from every direction. You have no coat, no hat, no boots, no gloves…and no way to escape the downpour. Now imagine spending weeks in those conditions, forever cold, without a roof over your head or a dry place to stand. Unfortunately, Fences For Fido comes across too many dogs that live in frighteningly miserable conditions during our bracing Pacific Northwest winters.
Thankfully, through the contributions of our donors and the efforts of our volunteers, every dog who needs one receives a well-built dog shelter with a shingled roof and a comfortable dog bed. These wooden shelters are raised a few inches above the ground so they stay warm and dry throughout our cold, wet months. Our volunteers work hard to provide dogs with shelters as quickly as possible, sometimes weeks ahead of their build date in an effort to provide comfort and relief. This simple act makes a profound contribution to the health and well-being of dogs on our waiting list.
One Fence. One Family. One Dog at a Time
These are just three stories among the more than 190 dogs we’ve met in the past two years. Fences For Fido recently received letters of thanks from one family who can now play with their dogs free of the chain and without worry that they will be hurt by escaping the yard. A concerned neighbor also sent a note of thanks that the lonely dog she saw chained on her daily walks is no longer confined.
Today, fences are built from SW Washington’s Clark and Cowlitz counties all the way to Oregon’s Marion and Linn counties with several points in between. From Scappoose to Estacada, Sweet Home to Newburg, Vancouver to Longview, volunteers answer the call to help build six to eight fences a month. Thanks to these volunteers and to the generous donations from our community FFF continues to provide our dogs, some of whom have never known freedom, a chance to run, play and receive love from their family. Thank you for being a part of our effort to change lives… one fence, one family, one dog at a time.
Fences for Fido is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare and quality of life for dogs living outdoors. Through our volunteer efforts, we create safer and improved conditions for chained dogs, provide education to the public, and help build healthier communities through awareness and compassion.
For dogs living outdoors on a chain, Fences For Fido reaches out to their guardian and offers a free fence, a new shelter, and free or reduced cost spay/neuter. With our services, dogs who were once chained will learn what it’s like to live, run, and play in a safe and more comfortable environment.
Board of Directors
Kelly Peterson: Co-Chair, Media Coordinator, Client Outreach Coordinator
Vince Baker: Co-Chair, Crew Director, Build Manager
Matt Volm: Treasurer, Professional Accountant
Leah Koss: Secretary
Michelle Blake: Salem Chapter Coordinator
Karin Cereghino: Trainer, Spay/Neuter Coordinator, Foster Coordinator
Courtney Dillard: Speaker / Outreach Coordinator
Karen Disney: Client Outreach, Foster Coordinator
Patti Loverink: Facebook Co-Manager, Give & Grow Manager
Lorna Pusateri: Volunteer Coordinator, Client Outreach, SW WA Spay/Neuter Coordinator
Jennifer Adams, Client Outreach Coordinator & Dog House Coordinator
Vacant: Development Coordinator
Core Team
Ken Alwine, Client Outreach Coordinator
Rhonda Bernard, Crew Leader
Leo Borton, Crew Leader
Amy Bossard, Assistant Treasurer
Wendy Geber, Client Outreach Coordinator
Janet Halladey, Linn County Coordinator
Erica Hall, Southwest Washington Chapter Coordinator
Molly Hershey, Client Outreach Coordinator
Susan Heublein, Molalla Coordinator/Facebook Co-Manager
Nikki Jardin, Newsletter Writer
Steve Liddle, Crew Leader
Bob MacMillan, Crew Leader
Joanie MacMillan, Client Outreach Coordinator
Melinda Miller, Client Outreach Coordinator
Mike Newman, Crew Leader
Bob Osborne, Crew Leader
Rob Rupp, Crew Leader
Sara Sebring, Client Outreach Coordinator
Cheryl Walden, Dog House Coordinator
Meg Willison, Client Outreach Coordinator
Advisory Board
Amanda Arrington, Founder, Coalition to Un-chain Dogs, North Carolina
Dr. Larry Peetz, Companion Pet Clinic
Mike Oswald, Multnomah County Animal Services
Tanya Roberts, Training & Behavior Department Manager, Oregon Humane Society
Kimberly Bernosky, Owner, Noble Rot
Melanie Kinne, Safety & Construction Consultant
In our clients’ own words …
"Fences For Fido changed my dog's life and my life. I never knew how unhappy he was on a chain. Chopper is the most happiest dog in the world! And you have a major hand
in that! I love my backyard even more now and chopper and fat cat loves it too!
We spend lots more time together now! Never again a chain!"
--Keith, Chopper's Family, Portland
"I wanted to thank you all, again, so very much for the gift of the fence. It has made a tremendous difference. Kia and Kya are running and playing together again. It's been a LONG time since they've had that opportunity. Kya has become much less aggressive with Kia, not trying to dominate anymore,
and Kia has become braver around people!! What a surprise blessing that is!"
--Linda, Kia and Kya's Family, Vancouver
"Thank you for helping us take better care of Maya. She is so happy in her new yard.
We love her and are grateful for your help."
--Michelle, Maya's Family, Beaverton
“I am thrilled with the work they [Fences for Fido] did as are our dogs!!! Thank you
so much!!! I can’t praise your organization enough for what they do.”
--Rose, Star, Cassie, and Rex’s Family, Molalla
“I think it’s absolutely wonderful … We’ve been wanting to do this but couldn’t pull it
off financially. It pulled at our heartstrings this past year, having him like this.
We actually thought about giving him up to a better home.”
--Angela, Noah’s Family, Milwaukie
“We are so grateful for all you've done for our dogs! Thank you so much!”
--Darlene, Rocky and Skylar’s Family, Newberg
“I’d recommend it for anybody. It’s wonderful. I can see how much happier they are…
They were confined. I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it a bit.”
--Lonnie, Sable & Bear’s Family, Portland
“I e-mailed them [Fences for Fido], and within five minutes, they called….Within a few days, Fences for Fido had met with us and installed fence posts in the backyard…Yayo is pretty fortunate.”
--John, Yayo’s Family, Albany
“When we saw the news coverage of Fences For Fido, we prayed for our own fence. So we couldn’t have been more grateful when a FFF volunteer knocked on our door the very next day.”
--Phyllis, Babe’s Family, Aumsville
“I am stiff and sore all over but with a smile on my face when I see Durango and Mikey romping in their newly fenced-in back yard. I had so much fun yesterday with the wonderful crew who I worked with for about 6 hours. My husband and I were so impressed by their dedication and organization. Not a minute was wasted. Don West is, also, very humbled and grateful.”
--Geri, Family Friends of Mikey & Durango
“Saturday the crew came out and installed the fence for Jackson. I just wanted to tell you what a great job they did…Two hours and they were on their way. What a great group of people you have there…Please let the team know that they made Jackson a very happy camper.”
--Gary, Jackson’s Family, Amity
“I just wanted to thank your organization again for all the work and effort that was put into building a fence for Gunnar last weekend. I couldn't believe it when I looked in my backyard and saw about 20 people, in the rain, ready to work! Not only all of that, but the kindness and understanding about the challenges a pit bull can sometimes present was also just awesome. Suffice it to say, Gunnar LOVES his new yard, is off the chain, and doing great!”
--Laurie, Gunnar’s Family, Amity
“Thanks a lot for the fenced area for Storm. We had to keep her on a chain because she kept running away. Now no chain and she can move about free. She is also able to come in now and get out of the weather. Thanks again”
--Lorraine, Storm’s Family, Longview
“…Thank you so much. Isabelle has been enjoying it so much, she doesn’t bark hardly at all, and it is so nice to have her by the house. She likes to sleep right under Hannah’s window!”
--Vonny, Isabelle’s Family, Corbett
“Huge “thank you’s” to all of the FFF team that were involved in the build for Franz in Onalaska, Washington…Blessings to all of you! Franz is really enjoying his freedom! We find he is much easier to handle and work with since being “unchained”. He loves his house both inside at night and “on top” during the day. Thank you—each one for this wonderful gift.”
--Andi, Franz’s Family, Onalaska
“Wow!! Great Job!! Gypsy is loving it!! Thanks to all who helped out. We are used to being the helpers not on the receiving end. We look forward to volunteering /Pay It Forward.
Thanks again from Gypsy too.”
--Shawn, Gypsy’s Family, Portland
“I hated having her tied up all the time …. Storm dug holes everywhere and pulled the fence to pieces and would just lay there in the sun bored out of her mind. Now she runs and our yard isn’t torn up she quit digging, she doesn’t tip her water over….But most of all she quit howling! We no longer have a muzzle on her and she enjoys the trees and exploring, she’s very quiet and actually tires herself out, and that’s hard to do to a Husky…Thank you guys a lot.”
--Stephanie, Storm’s Family, Scappoose
"Shirley, Thank you for the care and a fence for Grace. We are quite appreciative. You're an angel, from our family to you."
--Shannon, Grace's Family, Cathlamet
"Just a quick thank you to all the volunteers that came out and made a wonderful area for our family to enjoy spending time with Cash. Cash is very happy with his new area. I don't think he has quit panting or wagging his tail since he has been freed, he is a very tired boy by the end of the day. Thank you so much for all the work and I
hope other families are lucky enough to find Fences For Fido."
--Charlie, Cash's Family, La Center
"I want to thank you and all the people who put in their time and effort to build the fence for our dogs and to the ones who came out and moved Bandits house!l He is now using it. I know it makes it so much easier to play with all of them with them able to be free off chains to run get the toys we throw fir them, I know they are SO much happier being free of the chains! So again thank you all so much and please tell everyone else we all thank them too!"
--Family of Bandit, Foxy, Badger & Erabus, Salem
“Hello and greetings to the ‘Fences For Fido’ family. My roommate Bonnie and I so gratefully want to thank you very much for the donation of your time and work in creating our beautiful fenced-in yard. In addition, we recognize this magnitude of generosity that was spent doing so on Christmas Eve. You are “ALL” very special people giving to a very special cause! All of our lives have been greatly enriched thanks to your gift, especially the dogs and my children. I will never tire of watching my dogs and children joyfully play in the great outdoors while doing so safely and freely. And I say finally to you that I learned it was possible for three dogs to show beaming, pretty smiles and be even more beautiful to our smiling touched lives. With much appreciation.”
--Nicole, Family of Chico, Cheetho and Lady, Portland
Press Coverage
News Channel 8 KGW - February 1, 2012
"Portland volunteers build Fences for Fido"
The Daily News Online - January 31, 2012
"Fences for Fido projects dedicated to deceased Longview dog"The Statesman Journal - December 31, 2011
"Year In Review: Group Helps Dogs To Live Chain-Free"
Lake Oswego Review - November 17, 2011
"Fido Finds Friends In Touchstone School Students"
Spot Magazine - November 1, 2011
"Fences For Fido Chalks Up Two Great Years And A Bright Future"
The Oregonian - October 20, 2011
"Fences For Fido Launches Educational Pilot Program"
Statesman Journal - August 13, 2011
"Fences For Fido Plans Projects In Silverton, Turner"
The Oregonian - July 29, 2011
"Fences For Fido Seeks Volunteers For Fence Build Tomorrow"
Heart of the Matter - July 26, 2011
"Fences For Fido" video
Molalla Pioneer - April 19, 2011
"Unchaining Dogs, One Fence at a Time"
Animal Talk - March 2011
"Canine Corner - Fences For Fido (page 3)"
Valley Bugler, Animal Tracks - February 1, 2011
"Fences For Fido – Unchaining Local Dogs For A Better Life"
KATU - September 11, 2010
"Fences for Fido helps to build stronger communities"
The Oregonian - September 7, 2010
"Pet Talk: Fences for Fido unites volunteers in building fences so dogs don't have to be tied up"
The Statesman Journal - September 3, 2010
"Fences for Fido celebrates 100-dog milestone"
TDN.com - August 29, 2010
"Volunteers build fences to free dogs of their chains"
Koin 6 Studios - August 17, 2010
"Fences for Fido"
Key Bank & Rose Festival Award - May 13, 2010
"Pledge to Be Positive"
Lebanon Express - April 14, 2010
"Fence me in"
Democrat Herald - January 29, 2010
"Fences For Fido seeks volunteers for Lebanon job"
The Oregonian, Margie Boule - January 7, 2010
"Fences For Fido Could Use Your Help"
Albany Democrat Herals - December 11, 2009
"Home for the holidays"
The Humane Society of the United States - December 4, 2009
"Volunteers build free fences to get dogs off chains"
The Portland Upside - December 4, 2009
"Freedom for Dogs, One Fence at a Time"
The Gresham Outlook - November 24, 2009
"Fences for Fido gives tethered dogs a better place to play and roam"
Albany Democrat Herald - November 22, 2009
"Albany dog has his day"
Statesman Journal - November 15th, 2009
"Fences For Fido frees dogs from chains"
Albany Democrat Herald - November 7th, 2009
"Former mid-valley resident helping to unchain dogs"
Statesman Journal - November 7, 2009
"Fences for Fido group frees dogs from chains "
KATU Channel 2 Portland - November 6th, 2009
"Everyday Heroes"
Oregonian, Margie Boule - September 22, 2009
"Fences For Fido helps break the dog chains"
KATU Channel 2 Portland - September 5, 2009
on-line story and aired newscast video
Spot Magazine - September 2009
"Unchained, One Dog at a Time"
Willamette Week, Best Of Portland - July 22, 2009
"Best Canine Containment"
Tracy Barry, KGW “Giving Back” - July 9, 2009
"Volunteers Build Fences For Fido"
OregonLive.com Wednesday - June 3, 2009
"Worthy new Portland group builds fences for dogs"
OregonLive.com Monday - May 25, 2009
"New non-profit helps chained dogs"
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