b'On June 30, 2014, construction began on Dontes Den, a driving onto a five-star rustic resort in the country, completenearly $4.5 million 501(c)(3) animal sanctuary Marsha fund- with welcome center.ed with money from the foundation she and Don had created The facility includes a state-of-the-art veterinary hospitalspecificallyforthesanctuary. Today,DontesDenisasafe and surgery center.High-tech, quality materials were usedhaven for pets whose owners can no longer care for themthroughout to build the full service dog haven that includes aneither owners who are moving into a nursing home or military adoption center, grooming areas, and a space to quarantinepersonnel whose pets need long-term home during deploy- sick dogs. There is also a bone-shaped 15,000 gallon pool forment. A fund has been set up to help pay for the care of the the dogs. Additionally, Dontes Den works with local area shel-dogs for owners who may not be able to afford it.As a pri- ters and rescue groups, taking in some dogs to help them findvate foundation, we do not receive any grants. So we depend their forever homes through the Joyful Dogs adoption pro-upon the very good-hearted people who believe in our mis- gram.sion.And, a lot of people believe in our mission, Marsha ManateeCountyspopulationgrowthhascreatedthesaid. need for new housing developments near Myakka City, whereThe Forever Home unit was designed for dogs that are Dontes Den is located. That growth translates to more doggiven to Dontes Den as part of a will or trust.Its like a owners who will need pet-related services, a prime reason forretirement or long-term care center for dogs, said Marsha. Dontes Den now offering daycare and boarding accommoda-The Semper Paw program honors Don, who was an officer in tions.Veterinaryservicesarealsoavailabletothepublic.the Marine Corps. There are times when our military person- Essentially, becoming a Dontes Den client will help keep thenel are deployed and dont have anyone to care for their dogs, non-profit programs operating.said Marsha. Thats a stressful time, and we want to help Marsha believes Dontes soul is on the property.He wasthosewhoserveourcountry.Theydeservethatpeaceof one-of-a-kind, she said. I recognize a little bit of Donte inmind. every dog we have at the sanctuary. And, we see the change inIn keeping with its mission statement, the architectures dogs as soon as they arrive here. We give these dogs whateverdesign is harmonious with nature. It looks and feels as if youre it is they need or want. We believe the sky is the limit.36 THE NEW BARKER'