Deidre Morrison, of the Lake Isabella Animal Shelter in Southlake, needs the community’s help.

Morrison wants to build a 40-foot by 100-foot exercise/play yard at the Kern Valley Animal Shelter for the dogs awaiting adoption. They need a place to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise.

“All of the dogs really need this, not just for exercise and because they'll enjoy it, but also because it will allow them to show their true personality to potential adopters,” Morrison said. She explained that when people come to adopt a pet, it's a little tense inside the enclosed area with all the barking. It's unfair to judge the dogs in that loud environment. The yard will also give potential adopters a chance to bond with the animals. And they can bring their own pets to the shelter to meet the prospective adoptee.

It will have artificial grass, drainage, privacy screening and sun screening, a shed, and be handicapped accessible. This will be a permanent fixture‚ so Morrison wants it done right and to be appealing to the community.

The project will be divided into three phases. First, concrete curb, walkway, chain link fence and gates, the gravel walkway, waste containers, bench, and drip irrigation systems. Next will come artificial grass, planting of cypress trees, and a mesh sunshade screening. The final phase will be building a covered shed for the dogs and additional landscaping.

“When we are ready to start building, we'll be looking for donations of materials and for help from qualified individuals who have experience in the different areas of construction,” Morrison said.

Morrison is very appreciative of any donations from the community. The Jan. 24 fundraiser at Kern River Brewing Co. raised $1,300.

Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation was formed in 2005 as a 501(c)(3). It is made up of volunteers who support the efforts of multiple Kern County animal shelters and rescue groups by applying for grants and fundraising for these organizations.

Friends also undertook writing a grant for the Lake Isabella Shelter with the intent of receiving a Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant, which could be as much as $4,000.

If you plan to attend the upcoming Spring Home & Garden Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield, make sure to stop by the Friends booth and say hello. You can drop off a donation, but be sure to indicate that it is for Lake Isabella Project. If you prefer, you can mail your tax-deductible donation to Friends Foundation, P.O. Box 11494, Bakersfield, CA 93389. Again, be sure to indicate on your check that it is for the Lake Isabella Project.