Thursday, February 5, 2026 |
Photo – Proposed covered seating area – Courtesy Must Love Dogs
The Carbon County dog rescue that helped fund Saratoga’s new animal shelter has also paid for a shaded seating area at the town dog park.
In November, Bigfoot99 reported that Must Love Dogs Sanctuary founder Theresa Manley had secured enough funding to construct a new dog kennel for the Saratoga Police Department. At the time, Manley said that rather than putting up another basic structure, she proposed a facility comparable in scope to the Rochelle Animal Shelter in Rawlins.
Manley said then‑Chief Mike Morris and current Chief John Moore both agreed that the town needs a larger, better‑equipped shelter and asked her to help raise half of the $40,000 construction cost. Thanks to donations from Platte Valley residents and organizations, including Old Baldy Club members, Bank of Commerce, Union Wireless, Karen Youngberg, and the Bruce and Beth White Family Foundation, Manley was able to raise more than $22,000 for the new kennel.
Speaking to Bigfoot99 earlier this week, Manley announced that not only has Must Love Dogs Sanctuary secured the money needed for the shelter, the 501(c)(3) has also raised another $10,000 to construct a shaded picnic area at the Saratoga Dog Park.
Saratoga Public Works Director Emery Penner has drawn up plans for the shaded seating area, showing a 12‑by‑20‑foot slab covered by a slanted roof. The layout includes three benches and a picnic table. Manley said the project is expected to be finished by the end of May.
Manley said two $5,000 donations came in almost immediately, allowing construction of the $10,000 shaded seating area to start this spring. As for the new dog kennel, which will include climate control, storage, and an outdoor play area, the sanctuary founder said the project is expected to be finished in August.
To maintain its tax‑exempt status, Manley said Must Love Dogs Sanctuary must keep a minimum of $3,000 in its bank account. Additionally, the nonprofit requires money to continue caring for dogs. Due to the ongoing generosity of Platte Valley residents, Manley said her funding needs have nearly been met.
Manley thanked Bigfoot99 for helping attract donors, saying that our November report played a role in drawing support for both the kennel and seating area. The Must Love Dogs Sanctuary founder said she is continually surprised by the generosity of the community.
Manley said that continued funding is necessary to keep taking in stray dogs and placing them in homes. The charity founder explained how to donate to Must Love Dogs Sanctuary.
Manley said she has taken a crawl‑walk‑run approach with her dog rescue. Thanks to overwhelming support, the sanctuary founder said she is now in the run phase and hopes to be able to help every community in Carbon County in the future.
