Students build houses for local dogs

  Thursday, February 12, 2015 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Four local dogs will receive new homes in more ways than one this year, thanks to students in Pittsburg State’s College of Technology.

Students in Mike Neden’s Construction Systems course this week met the four dogs for which they will soon begin building new dog houses. The project, dubbed Habitat for Hounds, is in its 10th year at PSU.

“We love this project for many reasons,” said Neden, assistant professor of technology studies. “Not only does it help our students learn basic construction concepts, it also warms our hearts to help out area pets in this way.”

The four dogs are currently at the SEK Humane Society. Once they are adopted, the owners will receive the new dog houses, which are to be completed by the end of the spring semester. If the dogs are adopted before the houses are complete, the houses will be delivered to the owners upon completion.

Students said they enjoy being a part of the annual project.

“It’s beneficial for us because it’s real-world application inside the classroom,” said senior Aldo Cillers.

Junior Aaron White said the project “teaches us basic concepts in construction,” and junior Don Floro said it helps the students “learn to work together.”

Neden said it also promotes community service.

“It’s nice to be able to give back in this way,” he said. “The students are learning, which is the main priority, but they’re also helping the dogs and their future owners.”

Neden also said many of the supplies for the project come through a partnership with Home Depot.

"Our local Home Depot store gives us a bit of a price break on these materials, which really helps make projects like this possible," he said. "We're grateful for their support and involvement."