ASHFORD – The dream of a pet resource center and domestic animal sanctuary is one step closer to coming true after a canine construction crew – no foolin’ – broke ground on 43 acres of donated land in Ashford.

In January of 2006, Our Companions launched a 10-year, capital campaign called Home for Good – A Place for Our Companions with the hope of creating New England’s first large-scale pet resource center and domestic animal sanctuary.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the first phase of construction (a two-year, $2 million phase) will begin in September with the demolition of the biggest buildings in the Town of Ashford – factory style chicken coops which remain from the land’s previous use as an industrial egg farm.

After demolition the outdoor recreational center will be constructed. This will include a dog park, reflection gardens, interpretative hiking trails, nature preserve, bird observation area, and pond-side picnicking.

Also included in Phase One is the construction of a Pet Resource Center. This multi-use facility will offer life-saving services including low-cost dog training and behavioral modification programs, high-volume free sterilization for feral cats and an education center that can seat up to 500 people.

The Resource Center will also be the site of regular events that include Adopt-a-Thons and other community educational programs.

 “The goal is to create a destination for pets and animal lovers,” said Gail Perkins, donor and Our Companions board member. “Beyond its function of saving animals, sanctuaries attract people who want to become involved in animal welfare, but find the high-stress environment of traditional shelters too depressing. The sanctuary will be a beautiful place that will mobilize pet-minded people and save countless animals.”

Phases Two and Three will include the animal housing components where homeless pets at risk of being destroyed will be transferred to the sanctuary for rehabilitation and adoption.

The sanctuary housing will be constructed to resemble a quaint New England-style village. Each animal species will have several small houses built specifically to suit their needs. This method of housing animals greatly differs from traditional caged-based shelters by providing a cage-free, comfortable environment that is suitable for long-term care.

Our Companions is a non-profit organization that is a leader in the movement to end euthanasia of healthy pets. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.ourcompanions.org or call (860) 242-9999.