Fences for Fido honored by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association

The volunteer-based nonprofit Fences for Fidowas presented with the 2015 Veterinary Service Award Saturday during the Oregon Veterinary Conference at Oregon State University in Corvallis.

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Associationbestows the annual award upon an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well-being of animals.

Dr. Steve Amsberry, outgoing OVMA president, nominated the group.

According to the presentation, "Fences for Fido has a simple but life-changing mission: To improve the lives of dogs living outdoors on the end of chains, tethers or in small kennels, by building them a free fenced yard and an insulated dog house."

The group launched after a small group of female friends gathered in a kitchen in May 2009, discussing how they could help a neighborhood dog that was chained up almost constantly.

They agreed to approach the owner and offer to build a fence for him - for free - as long as he promised to keep the dog unleashed. That dog was Chopper, who became the "poster dog" for the group.

The women ultimately formed a nonprofit organization called Fences for Fido, which now operates with a $250,000 budget.

"The dedication of this all-volunteer organization of 100-plus compassionate people is rooted in making a kind of change between a dog and its family. But the work doesn't stop there," the OVMA presentation notes.

"Fences for Fido creates safer and improved conditions for chained dogs by providing them with shelter, veterinary care, and, when necessary, spay and neuter services.

"Volunteers educate families on how best to care for their four-legged family members during the heat of the summer and the cold, wet winter months.

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Fences for Fido honored by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association