Gone to the Dogs (or Cats)
Dreams can come true. Even those of the animal variety.
Photography: Timothy Thimmes
Dreams can come true. Even those of the animal variety. This spring, Friends of Animals Utah will open its doors to a 15,000-square-foot rescue and rehabilitation center. Located in Browns Canyon, the facility will offer homeless dogs and cats a transition from shelters to their “forever homes.” A sculpted “angel dog” atop the red metal exterior will watch over the rescued animals and their caretakers.
Entering its 20th year, Friends of Animals is a non-profit organization that rescues animals from shelters throughout Utah and the surrounding states. Cathy King, executive director of Friends of Animals says, “This facility gives us the opportunity to rescue so many more animals that would otherwise be put down because the shelters are so full.”
While a portion of the estimated $2.2 million structure has been provided by community donations, loan proceeds and family foundations, funding is by no means complete. Naming opportunities are available, including kennels, kitty condos and commemorative bricks, to memorialize loved ones, whether human or animal.
Operating costs at the new facility will be funded in part through the Dogs of Bark City community fundraiser. Dog sculptures created by local artists were introduced to the public at the Park Silly Market in September. These whimsical statues were then moved to local Park City businesses for public display. Maps with the location of each member of the “pack” are available at Furburbia, the Friends of Animals adoption center. The program culminates with a live auction at The St. Regis Deer Crest on December 28th where the dogs will be officially “adopted.” Proceeds will benefit Friends of Animals, Mountain Trails Foundation and the Park City Performing Arts Foundation.
Thirty eight artists created unique designs such as “BumBullDog,” which resembles a bumble bee with big metal wings that flap in the breeze. One of the most poignant sculptures, “Dreamin’ Doggie,” is dressed in slippers and a hat with pajamas that include pictures of things dogs dream about: bones, kids, cars and even peanut butter.
Located in the Tanger Outlet Center, Furburbia has helped Friends of Animals end euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in Summit and Wasatch counties. Since 2003, over 5,000 pets have been adopted, giving previously unwanted animals new leases on life.
Prior to coming to Furburbia, the rescued dogs and cats are vaccinated, spayed/neutered and fostered by volunteer families. Because of its lean staff, the organization relies heavily on over 50 volunteers. These animal lovers do everything from serve on the Friends of Animals Board, assist with fundraising events, walk dogs, play with cats and provide foster homes.
According to King, “Fosters are the heart and soul of the organization.” The foster families provide short term homes for the animals, find out what they like to eat, whether they are housetrained and how they interact with kids and other animals.
Because of the terms of the lease with Tanger, dogs are not allowed to stay at Furburbia overnight. As a result, those without short term foster families are driven to Salt Lake City to a facility where they can socialize and stretch their legs. The next morning they are driven back up the canyon.
This inconvenient and expensive nightly shuttling of dogs led to the vision of a rescue and rehabilitation center closer to Park City. King and the Friends of Animals board had originally hoped to build a pole barn in Browns Canyon to avoid driving the dogs to the Salt Lake valley. “What started out very small has turned grandiose. The building plans kept getting bigger and bigger and next thing we knew, it was 15,000 square feet with an apartment for an onsite caretaker,” reminisces King.
Set on 100 acres, the space surrounding the new facility will allow rescued dogs room to roam. Carol Potter, director of Mountain Trails Foundation and a group of Eagle Scouts have already committed to create a trail system which links into the existing horse trails on the property.
In addition to acres of land for walking the dogs, the new facility will offer community services including a low cost/no cost spay and neuter clinic. The intent is to reduce overpopulation that results in animals being sent to a shelter in the first place. An onsite Education and Healing Center will also teach the community how to be responsible with their animals and offer individuals the chance to use adoptable animals for therapy.
But the heart and soul of the facility is making the rescued animals feel at home. Cats will have their very own enclosed Kitty Korner, a large indoor play area in which to socialize, as well as individual Kitty Condos. The dogs will be housed in indoor/outdoor Doggie Dorms with overhangs outside that provide shade on sunny days. Located in the center of the building, The Dog House is a huge indoor play area that will also provide a safe haven for large numbers of animals in the event of a natural disaster.
Most importantly, the facility will be a comfortable, temporary home for animals as they await adoption. Other than a loving family, what more could a dog or cat dream of?
Liz Yokubison is a freelance writer and mother of twins. She and her son Alex volunteer at Furburbia and rejoice at each and every adoption.
For more information or to donate or volunteer, please visit foautah.org.
Your comments may be edited for brevity and foul language.