Sold-Out Fences For Fido Gala Features Top Dogs

Witts New Life: Rescued, previously chained Fido Witt was with us to celebrate his new life.

Portland, April 6th, 2013. 250 supporters (and a few furry friends) joined in a celebration at Castaway, including “Witts” the dog who is enjoying a new fence thanks to the nonprofit. Fences For Fido leaders announced that their charity had unchained a total of 600 dogs since its launch in 2009. The gala raised enough to unchain 20 more.

Organizers say, “Fences For Fido, an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit, improves the quality of life for chained dogs living outside in the elements day and night. We attend to all needs by building a fence, removing the chain, supplying a warm dog house, providing critical vet care and spay/neuter, and returning yearly to ensure the dog lives a safe, un-chained life.”

Even Chopper, our first Fido EVER, joined us for our 4-year celebration.

Reminders of dogs were everywhere, even on our all-vegan buffet!

All the bar wine was donated, relabeled and all bar proceeds benefit Savannah’s Fund for rescued Fidos.

Savannahs Fund featured super-star bar coordinator Kimberly.

Last summer, Fences For Fido won a Toyota Tundra pickup through the Toyota 100 Cars for Good campaign, and Tommy’s Window Tinting donated a full truck wrap, which was debuted at the gala.

Zena was starving at the end of a chain before being rescued last year. She’s enjoying a new, chain-free, indoor life with a Fido friend.

The goal for the evening was to receive sponsorships for 20 Fidos, and the nonprofit accomplished that goal thanks to supporters.

Fences For Fido Board Members Patti Loverink, Ken Alwine and Jennifer Adams.

Fences For Fido President Kelly Peterson welcomed our guests and also discussed the limited tethering legislation.

About Fences for Fido:

On May 23 2009, a small group arrived at the NE Portland home of Chopper, a big hunk of a dog who spent day after day, year after year, isolated from his family, chained to a tree. Chopper spent so many years tied to that one section of yard that he wore down the confines of his small world to bare ground.

Fortunately, within just a few hours on that sunny, May day, Chopper experienced freedom for the first time in six years. Once a sad, sullen dog, Chopper bounded around his new yard, smiling and wagging his tail…truly joyful. Following the build, his person Keith wrote to Fences For Fido saying, “I realize now he is so much happier being off the chain. Never again on a chain!” The fence encouraged Keith to spend more time with Chopper, changing their relationship forever. (Watch Chopper’s Video)

The work of Fences For Fido is deeply rooted in making that kind of change between a dog and his family, but our work does not end there. We create safer and improved conditions for chained dogs by providing shelter, veterinary care, and spay and neutering services when necessary. We work to educate families on how to best care for their four-legged family members during the heat of the summer and the cold, wet winter months. Twice a year our team of tireless volunteers visits all of the dogs in the FFF family to make sure they remain unchained, safe and healthy.

With more than 235 dogs already unchained since May 2009, the mission of Fences For Fido continues. With generous help from our volunteers and donors, FFF hopes to share many more success stories.

FREEDOM & FUNDING! 20 fences were fully funded and supporters made donations to Smokey’s Fund and Savannah’s Fund.

FIDOS! Everywhere we turned, dog figurines, statues and actual Fidos of Honor, Chopper (our first FIdo), Witt and Zena Love were a constant reminder of why we were all there together.

FOXY TRUCK! Our Toyota Trunk was there, sparkling in a corner with its new truck wrap loaded with tools given to us by our Amazon Angels from our Amazon Wish List.

FRIENDS! Honored guest Oregon State Representative Brad Witt was in attendance. Representative Witt is improving the lives of Oregon dogs through House Bill 2783, which would restrict the amount of time a dog can be tethered.

Celebrating Recent Un-Chainings!

Check out the stories and links below to see the Fidos who were freed in the last several weeks because of all of your love and support! “RANK ROOOO!” from all of them!

Happy Smiling Shadow Gets His Day in the Sun!
Sir Simon is Free!
Abigail & Mel Afflicted With Zoomies!
Cesar Treated Like a King with Freedom & Love!
Taffy & Tula Love Their New Fence and FFF Volunteers!

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.