Fences for Fido works on creating safe and happy dog spaces.
Fences for Fido is a non-profit that helps families with fences for their dogs. They help families whose dogs are tethered, on chains, or in small areas. The organization is here to help those in Southwest Washington.
Seeing so many dogs running loose in cities, it was time to make people aware of what they do and who they are.
Rebecca Reavis and her husband Mike are client outreach coordinators. The reason they got involved in Fences for Fido Rebecca explained, "In 2017, FFF was only covering the Cowlitz and Clark county areas, besides the majority of Oregon. Once the anti-tethering law went into effect, the organization leaders knew the need for more fences would soon become apparent and they decided to expand the Washington coverage area. Mike and I had been building fences with them for 3 years and felt we were ready to head up our own builds so I became the Client Outreach Coordinator and Mike the Crew Lead for the Fido's Up North team."
Per Rebecca, the requirement to get a fence are: ""There is only one, that the dog or dogs be on a chain, tether, zipline, or in a small enclosure for 10 or more hours a day." The timeframe in which fences are built are arranged by Rebecca and her husband. "After their team gets a request," she continued. "Most requests come via online requests; however we do get some that others refer to us. Our Client Application Coordinator and Community Outreach Specialist checks the application for qualifications. We then set up a visit with the client and confirm that a fence is needed and qualified, take pictures of the dogs, determine placement and type of fence, and set the date. Online signup is created for the volunteers and the crew lead gets the materials needed." The fence, once approved, can take up to 2 ½ months depending on how busy they are.
Rebecca and her husband are happy they became involved. "Fences for Fido awoke a passion in me that I never knew existed," she said. "No matter what the world throws at us, once we are in that yard attaching a gate, pounding a t-post, or cutting ground wire, we are at peace. There is no way to describe the overwhelming feeling you get when a dog is released into their fence, being able to run free, some for the first time in their life. Even through the masks of COVID the smiles on our faces can be seen. And it is like that every single time."
They have helped many in the area, Leah Pluard of Toledo stated, "Becky and the whole crew at Fences For Fido were so great from the beginning of the process to the finish. At the time that I applied for help with a fence I had two dogs: one a black Lab (Muffin) and a Husky German Shepherd Mix (Dozer). Everyone was so great when the day came to get the fence up. But the best part was when the dogs got to run around and enjoy their area. Even after Dozer decided to dig and try to get out, Fences for Fido came back and tried to make it as stable as they could. The happiness on both dogs faces I will never forget. Fences for Fido is amazing to have the help and ability to be able to help untie one dog at a time."
The McFarland family in Vader has also received a Fence for Fido, they stated, "Not only were these folks friendly and fast, but you could tell they really saved a special place deep in their hearts for people and their furry babies. All of our dogs are now safe from the speedy traffic on B st and my 86 year-old father has the ability to let them out potty without risking his safety; having a fully fenced space from Fences for Fido made this happen. Becky, Mike, and their incredibly fun crew have brought a priceless and precious relief to our hearts for our dogs and elderly father. THANK YOU FFF!"
If you and your family are in need of a fence, check out their website at www.fencesforfido.com. They will be more than glad to come and see what your needs are.