Out east, way out east off of Route 70, just up from Gopher Hill Road, a dream is being built. The 50 acre Moss Creek Farm is in the process of transformation. The dream is Marsha Panuce’s vision for a haven for dogs: Donte’s Den.
Originally from Chicago, Marsha has had a varied careers as a concert pianist, and later a fashion jewelry and accessory designer. Throughout her travels in Europe and Asia, Marsha made it a point to visit the local shelters and what she saw was so appalling.
Her long time love of dogs started with a long-haired Doxie named Beau Regarde, nicknamed “Bozo.” Marsha and her Grandpa found the dog at the Hinsdale Animal Society. Bozo quickly became the heartbeat of the family bringing love and joy to her recently bereaved Grandfather. A Cocker Spaniel and a few Shepherds later, Marsha discovered that she had an allergy to dogs, and her love affair with the hypoallergenic Schnauzers began.
While traveling Marsha was often bothered by the fear that if something should happen while she was away – her dogs might not be cared for in the way that she would care for them. Over the years, her concern prompted her to research possibilities, programs and alternatives, but did not yield any reassuring solutions. Certainly a friend or family could step in but Marsha felt after narrowing the list down to the most likely candidates, the level of care that she would hope to provide for her four legged’s was really too much to request of really good friends or even family.
The idea for Donte’s Den was born and Marsha had just the place in mind. As a child and into her twenties the Sarasota area was her go to destination to soak up the sun and be near the water. Marsha’s husband Don was entirely supportive of the project and over time together they pinpointed the Moss Creek Farm.
Currently the project is in fundraising mode. Marsha and the Panuce Family Trust are providing 30% of the 4.2 million dollar budget required.
Entering the property feels a little bit like the opening of a foreign film. Spindley trunked pines form a forest on either side of the road and a canopy above. The road is part gravel and part dirt winding toward an old Florida style farmhouse with an expansive front porch.
The site plan lays out the facility like a European village. A Welcome Center is included where visitors will leave their cars behind and use golf carts to navigate the property.
Donte’s Den is not a boarding facility but a lifetime sanctuary for dog’s whose owners can no longer care for them. A series of climate controlled dens are designed to feel like real rooms, not kennels, with furniture, sliding glass doors and beds. The dens will be built adjacent to a bone-shaped swimming pool providing a place for pups to cool off and frolic.
An onsite veterinary clinic will look after resident and adoptable dogs. Donte’s Den is gearing up to treat dogs from all stages of life. Annual vaccinations will of course be administered but also treatments like acupuncture for dogs suffering from arthritis and other alternative remedies.
The mission statement includes creating a harmonious facility in tune with nature and to always demonstrate humane values.
Incorporating those values, Marsha had added in additional dens to accommodate dogs that have served in the military, on local police forces or whose owners are in the armed forces. Without a doubt there will be dogs who are surrendered and in need of care. These pups will be evaluated for adoptability and potentially find new appropriate homes.
And by the way. . .the cows will stay.
For more information, and learn how you can be involved please visit Donte’sDen.org