Fences for Fido brings room to run

OREGON CITY, Ore. - Whether it's a dog bite or the death of a dog that's chained up in severe heat, a local group of volunteers said it happens too often. To prevent such tragedies, they're arming themselves with wire cutters and hammers.

For Andrea Kozil and Kelly Peterson, it all started when this pitbull, Zues, was found dead outside his owner's home in Sheridan. He had a chain around his neck keeping him just feet away from his water.

The two women and about 150 volunteers with Fences for Fido are now building dogs fences to prevent tragedies like this down the line. After all, these women have seen some horrible things happen to endlessly chained dogs.

"They will grow into their collar, with sores from collars being too tight," said Peterson.

This time it's Cooper, a year-and-a-half-old boxer, and his family in Oregon City that are the lucky recipients of Fences for Fido's efforts. Fences for Fido counts on donations - this is its seventh fence - with 14 dogs on waiting lists.

Kozil said keeping dogs chained up for long periods of time is bad not only for the dog and its owners - "they end up becoming aggressive," Kozil said - but for the entire community.

"Most of the dog bite issues are related to chained dogs," she said. "Dogs that are chained can be frustrated, very lonely, mistreated and taunted."

As volunteers put the finishing ties on this chain link and add the last of the bolts, Cooper isn't sure what to think. But as he is released his personality is transformed. 

His playmates Mckenna and Jayce are sure he likes it.

"He was happy," said Mckenna. "He didn't want to go in the house."

And they like it too.

"It's so awesome," said Jayce.
 
The group said the size of the fences vary. This one built for Cooper is actually pretty big for what they normally build. However, the results and the reaction from the dogs are the same every time: tail-wagging approval and a thanks for throwing 'em a bone. 

"We are able to build a fence and do it for free," Kozil said, "and most people would love to have means to do that and don't."