25/11/2025
It was three months ago yesterday, we met Buddy, a seven-month-old lab-heeler. Since then, Paws-itive Partners has visited Buddy and his family frequently. We've made suggestions to the family on pet care, volunteers assembled a kennel, we've gotten dog houses and have played with Buddy even though he's hooked to a chain.
The family has been receptive and good to let us visit when we wanted and we appreciate that. We are smarter now than three months ago. We have learned that some chainlink fences aren't strong enough for a 75 lb. dog. We found out quickly that a wooden frame to hold a water bucket upright is really just a chew toy. We discovered three different brands of tarps that are not Buddy-proof. We found two styles of Dogloos that are not chew-proof. These have been "teaching moments" for us.
Now for the best part of the Buddy story:
Last week, Dr. McCune offered us a dog house. This wasn't just any dog house. This was a dog house Dr. McCune s grandfather built 60 years ago for Dr. McCune's St. Bernard when he was a little boy. We took a trip to Dr. McCune's old homestead where he loaded the dog house on a trailer. The dog house was sturdy, heavy and just right for Buddy. We would replace a few boards and reshingle the roof and the dog house would be as good as 60 years ago!
Bob, our faithful Paws-itive Partners helper, went to work and put his heart into the project! The dog house was reshingled (we kept the original flashing on the roof for nostalgia.) Bob replaced rotted boards and some boards that didn't need replaced. The dog house got a new coat of paint. The final touch came when we nailed Buddy's name plate above the entrance.
The dog house was delivered (it took three men to carry it) this afternoon. We had Buddy go inside to fetch treats and it looks like he's going to be happy with his new house. It looks great in Buddy's backyard.