Gotta Love Blue

I don't know what is more beautiful, the blue siding on the new Canine Cottage at the Ashford Sanctuary or the amazing sky.

What do you think?

Either way, here's a photo and video update on the sanctaury construction. 

New video footage of sanctuary construction!

It's beginning to look like the village we've been planning for over a decade! Love to hear those big machines do thier job!

Dog Cottages are growing daily!  Celebrate the progess with us!

July 18, 2013

 

July 17, 2013

 



Construction of Phase 2 of the Ashford Sanctuary Continues!

This week the foundation has been poured. Soon, the framing will be built on our next two rescue cottages! Check out the new video and photos!

 

 

Foundations going in this week!

 

JOYFUL anticipation

 

 

 

The Cat Housing floor of our Rescue Cottage has been completed and now it's move in time!  Our donors have been generous with supplying us with much needed items off our Amazon Wish List and we thank them for that!  Filling an empty house not only with everything needed to care for 25 cats and 5 dogs, but also furniture for people, office equipment, cleaning, outdoor items and everything needed to furnish two full kitchens has been a challenge.   Naturally, our focus has been on the animal supplies and furniture first.....they will be moving in next week and we just can't wait! 

Our Dog Housing floor of the Rescue Cottage is equipped with several unique features to make the lives of the dogs and the people that care for them happy and healthy.  A dog washing station, gates on the doorways instead of doors to prevent stress of isolation, double entry doors to prevent accidental runaways, and a full kitchen to facilitate training our wonderful rescue dogs how to behave like a good citizen while their adoptive family prepares and eats dinner!

Recent work at the Rescue Cottage includes:

Kitchen:
Cabinets

Plumbing

Laundry

Utilities:

Transformer, Air Conditioner, Hot Water, and Propane all installed and on-line.

Dog Yard:

 



 

 

Down to the wire....last few weeks of construction!
What does it look like inside right now?

Landscape Plan for the back slope includes a biodegradable straw mat, untreated rough cut pine stakes for erosoin control and a thoughtful grouping of native shrubs, plants and grasses that will self seed, spread and cover the ground completely. 

Progress throughout the day was slow but steady.  This entire project is being completed entirely by volunteers from both Our Companions and the Master Gardeners.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Activites last week:

Poured Epoxy Floor

Well completed

 

The Plumber also worked on installing the hot water heater, sinks & toilets.

Cabinets were delivered and install begins!

Wetland Replication Area seeded and already sprouted.

Fence install a work in progress:

Drive by the Sanctuary during the week of August 20, 2012.

Friday, August 17, 2012 - Landscape Plantings begin

A huge THANK YOU to the crew who made the landscaping happen this weekend at the Ashford Sanctuary. The heavy rain held off and the crew was cheerful, hard working, and skilled. As we sat down for a well-earned lunch break, the realization came over me that this was the first of many successful gatherings that will happen here. To be able to share this special time with all of you means so much. I love to think to a time in the future when we're out chatting in the parking lot after another successful animal rescue in the shade of that oak tree, we'll be able to say "remember planting day?"  

Our Companions owes our success in all things to our volunteers.....they are very impressive!!!!

    

Cistern Gets a Big Drink!

We thought the installation of the cistern was exciting, but the arrival of the Ashford Fire Department to fill it up was an event to remember!    Designed and approved with the help of the Ashford Fire Chief, the firefighters were happy to assist with filling our underground water tank.  The meter now reads "full" and we are ready for any emergency that may arise. 

FRP - What is it and Why do you want it in your Sanctuary?

Fiberglass Reinforced Panel.  An alternative to wall paint, this miracle material is ideal for our needs.  During their stay at the Rescue Cottage, we want our animals to feel as though they are living in a home while they heal from their physical and emotional traumas.  A big part of that feeling of peace and relaxation is not being forced to live in a cage.  Having animals loose is so much better for their well-being, but it brings forth a variety of management challenges for the people caring for them.  Cats spray urine on walls, dogs scratch and chew at times; these are normal behaviors for rescued animals.  Naturally, our goal will be to teach our new friends more productive ways of expressing themselves.  In the meantime, we need to make sure we can clean up after them and provide an environment that is user friendly for these wonderful animals.  FRP is impervious to liquids, resists scratches and bite marks, and of vital importance to prevent disease transmission, it is 100 percent disinfectable.    

August 6, 2012 - Work Continues at a Rapid Pace - Accomplishments Include:

- Cistern Caps Installed

- Front Porch Cat Proof Screen Installation Begins

- First step of landscaping is Top Soil. 

- Parking Lot Lamp Posts Installed.

- Parking Lot Final Grade & Gravel

Paint is on the walls!