LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Thursday Mendocino College's first Sustainable Technology construction class to take place in Lake County presented Orphan Dog rescue with a brand new kennel.
The Construction Fundamentals class, led by local contractor and course instructor Glenn Mueller, had as one of its first projects the building of the kennel for Orphan Dog, according to college Sustainable Technology Program Coordinator Jen Riddell.
First Pick Construction, Lucerne Roofing and Trex Building Materials sponsored the project, with Orphan Dog and Mueller donating additional materials and plans, and the students and Mueller providing the labor, Riddell said.
Fancier than the run-of-the-mill kennel, the class' finished product had a roof, windows, blue siding and a small chainlink area.
It also featured a small sign dubbing it the “Hanna Scully Suite,” in honor of Miss Lake County's Outstanding Teen Hanna Scully, who has been a dedicated supporter of Orphan Dog.
She and her mother Pam recently even helped pick up two dogs from Clearlake Animal Control and transport them to the rescue after the dogs had run out of time in the shelter.
Orphan Dog, based on an 80-acre ranch near Lakeport, has – as of this year – rescued 3,000 dogs in Lake, Mendocino and Humboldt counties and found them new homes.
The all-volunteer group, led by Karen Schaver, also is leading the “FIX Lake County” initiative to help stop the high rate of unwanted animals in the county.
Low-income pet owners who need help with spay/neuter services can contact Orphan Dog at http://www.orphandog.org/info/display?PageID=16604 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application.
Follow the rescue and keep up-to-date on its events and available dogs, or make a donation at https://www.facebook.com/OrphanDog/?fref=ts .
Riddell said the class is next set to head out to the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum in Kelseyville to help with projects there.
She said the class is a win-win in that it offers building skills while also benefiting the community.
Riddell said the class will be offered again this summer, beginning June 16, and in coming semesters. Visit www.mendocino.edu for more information.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.