Although we, at Friends of Two Harbors Dog Park, are not advocates of dogs living outdoors, when Kayla, a 13-year old super-sized wolf/malamute hybrid, was adopted by a local resident after having lived her entire life as an outdoor dog, it became clear that this ol’ gal wasn’t about to learn new tricks.
So after reviewing some guidelines set about by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Dog Park’s corps of engineers set about building a real arctic-grade “Manitoba Mansion” for this sweet girl’s retirement.
Boasting 28-square feet of leg-room, The two-room “dog house” features a spacious master bedroom with a sun-soaking, south-facing, single hung window and an insulated floor, ceiling and walls. The bedroom is only accessible through a second door inside the enclosed veranda, away from the main entrance to keep those cold winds from blowing in. The structure is elevated and includes a shingled roof with only a slight incline creating the opportunity to perch up high and bask in the sun on the “Arizona Deck”. Although in Kayla’s case, her arthritis has slowed down her rooftop partying these days.
Big thanks to Affordable Movers in Duluth who came out to help us move Kayla’s immobile home. They’re great to work with and did a wonderful job. Brandon is the boss and a man with a truck. He can be reached at (218)310-5179 if you’re doing a residential move, or just need to need to move something really big and heavy.
We’re happy to provide housing for Kayla under these most unusual circumstances. The Manitoba Mansion will become property of the Lake County Humane Society someday, so that another dog may utilize it in the future. However, despite the time, money and manpower that went into the effort we hope that eventually the Manitoba Mansion sits idly and unused, as every dog is curled up on the couch, safe and warm inside their family’s loving home 🙂