Vicki L MorrisonSoldiers from 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown helped out their local furry friends earlier this month.
Generally soldiers build bridges, tunnels and shelters, they do not make dog houses. But the Oromocto SPCA was in need of several dog houses so they approached the soldiers to see if they could lend a hand.
“The timing was right. The seven soldiers were waiting for their trades training to begin, so they were anxious to get their hands on tools and get started on the project,” said Captain Ian McIntyre, public affairs officer, Combat Training Centre.
The Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering trains soldiers to be combat and construction engineers. The opportunity was looked at as a great chance for them to cross-train while sharpening their skills for their future careers as combat engineers.
Oromocto is a small town, the perfect place for a project of this nature to take place. The SPCA supplied the materials for the CAF members to complete the project, and ten beautiful new doghouses were built.
“It was a great project because it allowed us to support the community and it allowed the community to see the soldiers want to make a contribution to the place they call home. It’s about engaging with the civilian community and creating a win-win situation,” said McIntyre.
Oromocto SPCA’s Katherine Greer-Hulme said she was thankful for the soldier’s work on the dog houses.
“Just to watch the expertise of them building these dog houses, knowing that they’re doing this for such a good cause, it’s heartwarming,” said Greer-Hulme.
The school’s engineers built the current dog houses at the SPCA over six years ago, but the houses were always filled to capacity. They needed more space, and the older houses needed a refresh, so the SPCA approached the army once again.
Looking to add a Furry member to your family? Visit the Oromocto SPCA website!
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