VERO BEACH — Dogs For Life, Inc. (DFL,) a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people and dogs through training Assistance Dogs, has met an anonymous $100,000 Challenge Grant to build an Assistance Dog Training & Administrative Center on their Off-Leash Dog Park property located at 12th St. and 16th Ave.
Thanks to dog park members and DFL supporters who worked diligently to raise the remaining $120,000 this past spring, and prior donations from supporters, the estimated $350,000 goal to build the center has been achieved.
DFL has selected Bill Bryant & Associates as its contractor. Long time supporter Tony Donadio, who designed the Training & Administrative Center, will act as Project Manager.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2014. A Ground Breaking Ceremony is planned for Jan. 11, 2014 at 11 a.m. Additionally, Kathi Schumann, a member of a local family known for their philanthropic work, has donated a substantial gift to help with DFL operations and start up of the Assistance Dog Training & Administrative Center.
Mrs. Schumann has also joined DFL’s Board of Directors to offer critical help in expanding the veteran dog training program.
The Assistance Dog Training Center will enable DFL to train more Hearing and Service Dogs for local residents and Veterans.
For more information about DFL’s Assistance Dog Training, Pet-Assisted Therapy Dog Training, Off-Leash Dog Park membership, or to make a much needed year end, tax deductible donation, please contact Shelly Ferger, Founder and CEO, at (772) 567-8969 or visit our website at www.DogsForLifeVB.org.
