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Extreme home makeover: pet edition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Roughly one month ago, Air Commandos stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., began a series of intense weekend manual labor in an effort to raise money for a local animal shelter. Cannon personnel spent hours sizing wood, hammering together frame-work and painting some very ornate homes which will eventually house some lucky pets.
"We borrowed the concept of 'BARK-itecture' from other organizations that have had huge success with it in the past," said Linda Cross, Clovis New Mexico Humane Society director. "This is the first time we've tried using this idea to raise money for the shelter and the immense amount of help we've received from the base has been essential in making our vision a reality."

There are 13 teams building homes for the shelter. So far 14 homes have been made for the upcoming Home and Garden Show which will be held April 21-22 at the Civic Center. There, they will be sold in a silent auction to the highest bidders.

"Having the base get involved the way they did sets a great example of how Clovis and Cannon continue to build strong working relationships and showcases the other side of the Airmen's characters who get involved," said Cross. "It shows outstanding enthusiasm from Airmen at Cannon and we are so proud to have so many volunteers who really want to reach out and help their adopted community."

All proceeds from the auction will directly benefit the Humane Society's shelter in Clovis. However, local community members are not the only benefactors. The animal shelter focuses on providing low-cost spay and neuter programs along with micro-chipping and vaccinations. Airmen ranking E-3 and below qualify for all these procedures to be done on their pets at half price.

"The more opportunities Cannon takes to provide support to the local communities, the more we will get in return," said Maj. Dina Quanico, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron commander. "Base leadership has done an outstanding job creating and fostering relationships with local leaders to ensure a continued partnership toward future improvements. This was just one more opportunity to show our support for the local community."