Dogs at the South Okanagan SPCA in Penticton got an early Christmas present thanks to some initiative of volunteers and the generosity of South Okanagan Fencing.

Longtime SPCA volunteer Sue Panov and her husband had been doing the landscaping around the SPCA when they saw the need for an off-leash area for the dogs to run and play.

鈥淭here was an area with grass but it wasn鈥檛 fenced. They have outside runs but they are cement and really confined spaces,鈥� said Panov.

She started getting quotes for fencing, but the pricing was way out of reach.

鈥淭hat was until Nik Dos Santos from South OK Fencing came over to survey the area. As we shake hands to leave, he informs me his company will do the work for free including all materials. I was blown away, I almost cried.鈥�

Panov and other SPCA volunteers cleared the shrubbery, did some landscaping and made irrigation adjustments to ready the grassy area for the new fencing.

Then Dos Santos and his crew came in and put in the fencing.

鈥淗e is so pleasant to deal with, as are his crew. They had a really busy schedule, but completed the job for us. We are beyond grateful,鈥� she added.

The pups are now able to run free and enjoy the backyard grass area.

The joy on the dog鈥檚 faces is heartwarming, said Panov.

鈥淭he look on Derek鈥檚 (the dog) face when he could run free. He did some zoomies and jumped around, so happy. This is what it is supposed to be like for dogs.鈥�

At any given time, the Penticton shelter can have around 10 to 14 dogs in its care. The number fluctuates with some going to foster care.

The new shelter manager Clare Southgate was lucky enough to be there for the completion of the fence.

鈥淎 great welcome for her to see how awesome our community is when it comes to the care of the animals in need,鈥� said Panov.