PORT ANGELES — The owners of the Fox-Bell businesses are stepping in to help Clallam County’s dog crisis through a new nonprofit venture, the Fox-Bell Humane Society.
Martha Vaughan, who runs Fox-Bell Weddings & Events, and Shelby Vaughan, who runs Fox-Bell Farms, are transforming 3 to 4 acres of their property into a Western-themed humane society for dogs.
The Vaughans were motivated to undertake the project after the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS) shuttered its Bark House facility, leaving Clallam County without adequate space for dogs.
Martha said that, since Bark House’s closure, they’ve gotten an influx of calls from people asking if Fox-Bell could take their dogs.
“The need now is just too excruciatingly painful to ignore,” she said.
The Fox-Bell Humane Society facility will be a little atypical. Rather than having one shelter for all the dogs, Martha said they will have tiny homes that house one to two dogs each.
That will avoid a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, which will could help decrease the spread of illnesses between dogs, Martha said. Additionally, it will provide the dogs with a peaceful, private space that will allow them to be less stressed and more adoptable, she said.
Each of the tiny homes, or “cottages,” will be soundproof and have couches and chain link runs.
The dogs also can walk the nearby horse trails, interact in two large play areas or dip in the splash pool.
“I wish all dogs could have this,” Martha said.
Fox-Bell Humane Society has received county approval for five tiny homes, Martha said, although, in the future, they hope to have more.
The details of the contract between Fox-Bell Humane Society and the county are still being worked out, Shelby said. They’re not sure yet if they’ll take dangerous dogs.
“I’ve dealt with a lot of those, and that is a definite case-by-case basis,” Martha said.
Shelby said dangerous dogs often take more time and resources and might plug the system. On the other hand, she said many of the dogs that get labeled as dangerous just haven’t been given time to adjust to the situation.
“Often it’s just people misreading the animal,” she said.
Fox-Bell Humane Society will be Western-themed, Martha said. During adoptions, she plans on outfitting the dogs in badges and bandanas.
There also will be a Western-themed “Bow Wow” general store, which will help bring in funds.
While the impetus was the county’s dog crisis, Martha said Fox-Bell Humane Society also plans to take horses, cats and other animals.
“You never know what might come our way,” she said.
Before establishing the humane society, Shelby said the Vaughans have used their own funds to rescue more than 60 horses, about 15 dogs, some cats, two pigs (Hank and Hickory) and more.
Since announcing the establishment of the humane society last week, Martha and Shelby have ordered three tiny homes, prepared some sites, met with county officials and the sheriff’s office and planned a fundraiser.
The Vaughans are donating their property and time to the venture, but they are hoping to solicit between $50,000 and $100,000, which is how much they estimate it will take to get established.
As of last week, they had raised about $5,000.
“If the community wants it, send the money, because Fox Bell has the track record to die for,” Martha said. “Send your money here. I guarantee, every cent of it will go to the animals.”
In addition to money, individuals can donate gravel, tiny homes, services, fencing, chain link panels and excavating equipment.
The Olympic Peninsula Equine Network (OPEN) has extended its 501(c)(3) status to Fox-Bell Humane Society, which allows them to give tax write-offs for donations.
The Vaughans also will apply for grants and host fundraisers, Martha said.
The first fundraiser will be a silver- and gold-themed New Year’s Eve ball with food, music and an auction.
Tickets will be available sometime in late October and will likely be about $100 to $150, Shelby said.
The Vaughans are looking for individuals or businesses to donate items for the auction.
“Do it for the dogs,” Martha said.
In addition to the humane society, Shelby said they are emphasizing the importance of spaying and neutering. The Vaughans have hosted and funded several spay-neuter clinics and plan to continue in the future.
“The only way to make this problem better is spay and neuter,” Shelby said.
To learn more information or donate to the Humane Society, go to the Fox-Bell Farm & Training Facebook page. Additionally, Shelby said people can make an appointment to get a tour of their facilities at any time.
The Fox-Bell Humane Society will be located at 137 N. Barr Road.
The Vaughans are hoping to open the humane society by early next year. Once they are open, Martha said they will be looking for volunteers to help take care of the dogs and the facilities, or provide other help.
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Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.
