On Saturday Sept. 12, 22 members of the 88th Surgical Operations Squadron from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base arrived at His Hands Extended Sanctuary, a 501c3 animal sanctuary in the St. Paris area established in 2009, and volunteered a day’s work to help accomplish projects needing to be done. They installed weed mat and mulched 40 cypress shrubs at the front of the property to make a sound and site barrier for the dog yards closest to the road. They planted 17 more shrubs, painted a large section of fence, and removed fence boards from an existing fence to prepare it to be made into more large yards. Msgt Sergeant Carlisa Smith organized the group’s trip, contacting shelter director Tanya Jordan by face book to make arrangements.

“We are thrilled to have this wonderful group, representing our military men and women, take time from their duties, careers and personal lives to spend a day volunteering to help us with our mission to save the lives of dogs and cats at risk,” Jordan said. “Their time and work has certainly put us in a great place to finish projects that we have had on the to-do list, and we so appreciate their efforts. We hope to see them again.

“The entire group seemed to really enjoy their day here, as we enjoyed having them, and two local Champaign County businesses, Loretta’s Kitchen and Miller Quality Meats, graciously provided a large portion of the lunch these military members enjoyed at the sanctuary, and many wonderful side dishes and desserts were brought in by face book followers to help thank our guests for their efforts.”

The sanctuary houses many dogs and cats that otherwise would be homeless or euthanized. There is no limit on the time these animals have to be adopted. The animals live in heated and air conditioned catteries and kennels at night and play outside all day in chain link fenced yards for the dogs and cat-fence enclosures for the cats. The sanctuary sits on 32 acres and has many plans for expansion. Currently the sanctuary has four kennels and a fifth under construction, four catteries, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic operating three days a week and two clinical days offering a low-cost option for pet care.

Jordan said the sanctuary is always a busy place and the extra help was much appreciated.

The Wright-Patt volunteers did a variety of projects at the sanctuary, including installing weed mat, mulching and planting shrubs, painting fencing and prepping an area for expanded space for animals.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/09/web1_IMG_0876.jpgThe Wright-Patt volunteers did a variety of projects at the sanctuary, including installing weed mat, mulching and planting shrubs, painting fencing and prepping an area for expanded space for animals.

Members of the 88th Surgical Operations Squadron from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base volunteered a day of work at His Hands Extended Sanctuary in Champaign County.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/09/web1_IMG_0874.jpgMembers of the 88th Surgical Operations Squadron from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base volunteered a day of work at His Hands Extended Sanctuary in Champaign County.