Warrior Canine Connection raising the woof

Warrior Canine Connection held a unique party on March 27 – and it wasn’t for one of its furry puppies who are service dogs in training for veterans.

Instead, the non-profit held a closing-in party for the renovation it is undertaking on the 1938 barn on its property in Boyds, Maryland.

When renovations are complete, the first floor of the barn will house office space for trainers, restrooms, a large service dog training area, a food prep area, a laundry nook, and a veterinary office. The upper floor will have administrative offices and meeting space.

WCC opted to renovate the structure instead of demolishing and rebuilding it due to the rich history it has in serving veterans. The University of Maryland initially designed the structure and built it as a dairy barn to provide milk for the troops in the National Capitol Region.

Phase one of the project included $750,000 worth of structural work that included shoring up beams, installing new posts and installing a new well.

Now in phase two of the renovation, the barn will be converted into a space that’s not just pretty but practical, too.

“I am over the moon about finally getting the construction started,” said WCC Director of Facilities Kim Vaughan, who is overseeing the project.

The new barn will also feature a brand-new addition, a 28’ x 115’ kennel area, with 14 new indoor kennels with heating and air conditioning, a grooming area and canine care staff.

Davis Construction is overseeing the project, which is scheduled for completion in September.

Check out how you can pitch in here. To watch the progress in action, click here.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .