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Never Muzzled project helps keep dogs warm
By LINDA M. LINONIS
NEWTON FALLS
Never Muzzled dog houses
Gallery
Warm Paws for Winter, a project of Never Muzzled, provides sturdy houses filled with straw for dogs kept outdoors.
The dog welfare organization was formed by Linda Liguori and her daughter, Amanda, both of Newton Falls, and Sarah Harrison of Cortland. It received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in May 2015.
“We’re a small group, it’s all volunteer and we all work full time,” Linda Liguori said. The project is funded by donations and fundraisers.
Though animal advocates cringe because some owners keep their dogs outside, Liguori said that situation is common. “We’re trying to help the dogs that live outside and make them more comfortable,” she said.
Liguori emphasized that her group does not endorse dogs being kept outdoors. “But until Ohio laws change, at least we can help them survive and have a better quality of life,” she said, adding that plastic doghouses that are often used do not provide the necessary shelter from Ohio weather and the wind.
She said Never Muzzled follows guidelines on who qualifies for a doghouse for an outdoor dog. “About 90 percent qualify,” she said. “We look at this as community outreach ... helping to educate people and making life better for the dogs.” Never Muzzled conducts site visits to assess the dog’s current shelter.
Never Muzzled urges all owners to bring animals indoors during low temperatures. The group notes that there is a misconception that their fur will protect them. “Without proper shelter, food and water, these domesticated animals’ chances of survival in frigid temperatures is greatly decreased. Do the right thing, and bring them inside,” urges a post on the Never Muzzled Facebook page.
Liguori said they talk to owners about improving their dogs’ living conditions, making sure they are warm and dry and well-fed. Another aspect is promoting that animals be spayed or neutered to curb the pet population. “It all goes together,” she said.
The large doghouses are constructed of lumber that is pressure treated for outdoor use. Shingles are put on the roofs for added protection. Each house costs about $85 to build.
Along with the doghouse, the canine recipient and owner also receive a 30-gallon bag of straw, a heavy-duty cable tie-out, leash, collar and water bucket and food bowl. “We talk to people about walking their dogs and getting them off the tether,” Liguori said.
So far, Never Muzzled has distributed some 60 doghouses in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. The group also has helped dogs in Columbiana and Portage counties. Recently, several houses were delivered to canines, who wagged their tails in appreciation and “rearranged” the straw to bed down.
“Humane agents have called us to see if we can help provide better shelter for dogs in need,” Liguori said. “We mail out fliers in these situations and make contact,” she said.
Another bonus is where the doghouses are constructed. Liguori said the doghouses are made by inmates at Trumbull Correctional Institute in Leavittsburg. Previously, Never Muzzled worked with Northeast Ohio Correctional Center in Youngstown.
“That program is doing us a huge favor,” Liguori said. Dan Janiw of TCI coordinates the doghouse project and the Dogs in Prison Program.
The cooperative program, a combined effort of Never Muzzled, Elite K9 and Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, involves inmates socializing and training dogs on basic commands. Dogs are from the Trumbull County Dog Warden.
Julie Loomis, public information officer at TCI, said in a release, “While the offenders are providing the labor to build the doghouses, they are also learning building skills that may help them secure future jobs.”
Projects and more
Straw distribution: Never Muzzled and Legacy Dog Rescue of Ohio will sponsor a giveaway of straw at 11 a.m. Saturday at Family Video, 801 N. State St., Girard. Straw will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fundraiser: A basket raffle, in conjunction with Legacy Dog Rescue, is planned at 4 p.m. Monday at Quaker Steak and Lube, 2191 Millennium Blvd,, Cortland. Never Muzzled has partnered with Legacy on other projects, including straw giveaways.
Doghouses: Linda Liguori, a founder of Never Muzzled, said there is a list of owners and pets waiting for houses. The nonprofit organization needs monetary donations to buy lumber and supplies for the project. Send donations to Never Muzzled, P.O. Box 293, Newton Falls, OH 44444.
Contact: Make contact at www.facebook.com/NeverMuzzled.