hon·or from Dictionary.com
1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one’s beliefs and actions: a man of honor.
2.a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one’s family.
3.high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor.
Honor Animal Rescue seems far from the everyday hubub of the big box stores, the back-to-school din, and the Saturday chasing of chores. Here a team of devoted volunteers have built a haven for unwanted companion animals. Rob Oglesby and his wife Dari are employing a full-circle philosophy of business and caring into this organization which once was careening toward disaster.
The new rescue facility design plans started with some basic sensibilities. Dogs do well in packs but not herds. Six or eight dogs to a room is optimal. So Honor designed kennels that look like giant Key West Style doll houses.
Each cottage is insulated with a sustainable material made from soy to keep the pups cool. With the doors open at high noon in September the temperature inside, with a cross-breeze, was more than comfortable. Dogs have easy access to an indoor area and free reign to enjoy the outdoors in individual open air kennels.
In the spirit of engaging the community, Honor has reached out to local pet professionals like Mark Shambour of K9 Korral. Mark works with adoptive parents and their dogs to help ensure a smooth transition from shelter to home by providing a free evaulation/training session. Another trainer is working with volunteers to help them in their efforts to train adoptables. Prospective parents are suprised and encouraged when visiting with a dog who can sit and stay.
Beyond providing proper housing for the dogs, the overall presentation to visitors is one of welcome, and the promise of fun. The cottages are situated in a circle creating a feeling of community and sociability. Phase one is now almost complete with the first cottages being occupied and a second set under construction.
When we visited, the Welcome Center was stacked high with nice kitchen cabinets that came in from a donation. Rob was in the process of installing them in a “new” trailer that had been donated by the Manatee County School District. The trailer will provide an air-conditioned space with bathrooms, a meeting room and kitchen facilities. Additional income is provided by a rental home on the acreage. The tenants who happen to be dog lovers provide additional security by being on premise, and contribute to getting the dogs ready for bed.
Honor’s Animal Rescue’s mission is to work closely with both Manatee and Sarasota County’s Animal Services agencies to get highly adoptable dogs into an environment where they are less stressed. By freeing up kennel space at those over burdened facilities, they can help lower the euthenasia rate.
Cats? Of course, the cat cottage is populated by a group of laconic felines and equipped with interactive toys and multi-level roosting spots. Dari told us that before the cats were given their own cottage, they hung out in the Welcome Center. Now that they have their own space, with access to outdoors – they are a much happier and affectionate group. The added bonus? They get used to hearing and seeing dogs up close and personally.
Like most of our local animal rescue groups, Honor Sanctuary is in need. Volunteers, donations of financial and just practical things are helpful. If you have a special skill like public relations, grantwriting or would be interested in helping the abandoned pets, visit Honor Animal Rescue.
Great things are in store for Honor including a “main street” that will run through the shelter with a groomer, a boarding facilities and perhaps a trainer. These additional services will provide an additional source of revenue and keep pet lovers coming back to the Ranch, where are treating animals with respect and honor.