Jose Grosfeld, kennel technician and Leighan Vinciguerra, administrative manager, stand next to dog park equipment donated by The Park and Facilities Catalog to Big Dog Ranch Rescue
The Park and Facilities Catalog recently donated several pieces of dog park equipment to Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee. Fl.
Their motto is "Big and small, we save them all."
The spacious facility is truly an outstanding place for dogs. Since it started 10 years ago as Florida Weimaraner Rescue by local resident Lauree Simmons, and later expanded to help all breeds, the non-profit has rescued more than 19,000 of our furry friends.
In fact, Big Dog Ranch Rescue is the largest no-kill, cage-free dog rescue facility in the Southeast.
On a daily basis, the organization rescues dogs from shelters, unwanted litters or people who can no longer take care of their pets.
The group has also gained recognition for helping to rescue dogs from hurricane-damaged areas in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.
According to Leighann Vinciguerra, administrative manager, the facility currently takes care of about 400 canines. Some are located at the dog campus while others may be in the care of foster families.
A dog about to join a new family
There are 70 paid employees and a small army of volunteers. Local civic groups, such as the Eagle Scouts, continually donate their time to make improvements to the grounds.
Dog park equipment added to new and improved grounds
Because of their efforts, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has nearly finished building a BIG new facility for dogs on 33 acres.
The new facility hosts a state-of-the-art veterinary center and individual climate-controlled 12' by 12' rooms for comfortable, stress-free living quarters. The center now provides individual outdoor "pods" for pregnant female dogs to give birth and care for their puppies.
The organization also plans to involve disabled veterans and the handicapped with their canine tenants.
"I've worked with a lot of people over the years but I can tell you the people here really go above and beyond when it comes to taking care of these dogs," Leighann said.
On their website, Big Dog Ranch declares: "We will be a model for shelters and rescues across the country."
The new facility certainly looks like a Disneyland for dogs. There are big spacious play areas with cooling ponds in the center and shade trees.
To help the dogs exercise and burn off some energy, The Park and Facilities Catalog recently donated a Fire Hydrant Dog Hurdle, Big Hoop Jump, and Stepping Paws.
The dog hurdle features two ends that are metal stands in the shape of red fire hydrants. An adjustable metal bar is placed in the middle for dogs of all levels to hurdle.
The Big Hoop Jump consists of three large hoops, all at different elevations, so pooches of all sizes and ability can practice their jumps.
The Stepping Paws are used for exercise and training purposes. The surface of the steps is treated with a stippled, thick thermoplastic coating that is weather-resistant and slip-resistant to make it easier for dogs to climb. The coating is also manufactured to repel urine so it does not stain or deteriorate.
"We're pleased to donate this commercial-grade dog park equipment to Big Dog Ranch Rescue," said David Kennis, senior account executive at The Park and Facilities Catalog. "We are impressed with the amazing job they do to save dogs and we're glad to be able to add some helpful dog playground amenities to their exercise areas."
The Park and Facilities Catalog offers a full line of dog playground equipment such as hoop jumps, hurdles, ramps and weave posts or complete dog park equipment kits. Call 1-866-280-9894 for more information.
To make a donation or adopt a dog, visit the Big Dog Ranch Rescue website. You can also call them at 561-791-6465 or visit them at 14444 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee, Fl. Their foundation office is located at 11390 Jog Road, Suite 101 in Palm Gardens, FL.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue features big enclosed fields with plenty of room for dogs to run and cool off in a pond if they wish