When Alayne and I were looking at properties over the winter, our main focus was on how suitable the buildings would be for the animals. There was no "perfect" place with just the right set of facilities for a sanctuary like ours, and given the disabilities our animals have, we could never had expected to find a property that didn't need modifications of some sort. But one of the things we liked a lot about this place in Lancaster was just how well suited it already was for what we did. And the only modifications we needed on the main house for the disabled dogs were ramps and railings.
So back in early April when I first came out to get Internet access installed and to prepare for moving in, I had the good fortune to meet a neighbor of ours, Jim D., who is an amazing builder and craftsman (as well as an incredibly nice guy who's been immensely helpful!). Jim has been building the ramps we needed on both the front and back of the house for the dogs. In the photo above -- yes, that's blind Molly modeling -- you can see what the changes look like.
Here's another view taken a bit later the same evening, and Molly is still modeling:
There was an existing ramp coming out the main front door in the center of the two wings, but it went to the driveway on the left and needed to be rebuilt anyway, so we did that and added a new ramp that went into the yard. This is the way I take the "front yard dogs" out in the morning:
We still need to add lattice to the bottom of the ramps -- you can see the sheets of lattice leaning up against the fence on the left in the photo above.
For the railings, I asked Jim to add what I call a "Dachshund rail" at the bottom, to keep the little ones from inadvertently -- or intentionally! -- going off the side:
At the back of the house, there was a steep set of stairs coming out of the dog wing, so Jim made a landing off the door and then a ramp coming down the side of the building:
This is how I take the "back yard" dogs out of the building in the morning. Some, like blind Patti and blind Willie, are already just following me out the door, down the ramp and over to the yards, all on their own ... and doing the reverse in the evening. My goal is to have them all trained to do that!
Awesome, and so "minion-nesque"! I was noticing those specially-placed, ever so thoughtful/practical "dachshund rails" thinking that's "SO RDR".
Congratulations on the progress, wonderful neighbor, & super spokesmodel poodle! :)
Posted by: Margaret | June 18, 2010 at 01:17 PM
I have to echo a thank you to Jim. I can't wait to see who he adopts!! ;-)
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | June 17, 2010 at 04:28 PM
How is Duchess taking to this? Or is she with Alayne?
Posted by: jennie wiseman | June 17, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Can you believe it you now have a neighbor who lives close enough and who is so nice to help you with some of your projects. A BIG thank you Jim. This is looking more and more like home> Can't wait for Alayne to join you all and then the family will be complete again. With the exception of adding new member of course. Thanks for keeping us updated as always.
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | June 17, 2010 at 10:13 AM
That is a God send to find such a wonderful & talented neighbor so quickly. I've been here a couple of years & would love to find someone like him. I have so many ideas! And, it looks awesome what he has done. Great job & to have it all done so quickly & efficiently is fantastic!!! Also, love the RDR spokesmodel!! She is a beauty!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | June 17, 2010 at 01:09 AM
I'm sure the ramps will come in handy for a number of reasons in years to come. Not that you're getting old, but having had to use a walker once after a knee surgery, I've learned to appreciate ramps a great deal. In addition, it will save your back in a number of ways, like loading a couple 40# bags of dog food on a hand truck to get them in the house. RAMPS - they aren't just for dogs you know!
Posted by: Diane in Chehalis, WA | June 17, 2010 at 12:52 AM
That is just so awesome, and kudos to Jim for his terrific work! It's looks great. And welcome, Jim, to our RDR family of fans...
Posted by: Linda | June 16, 2010 at 11:32 PM
Good golly Miss Molly.....you are looking quite gorgeous in your new role as RDR spokesmodel!!!!
Posted by: Marla | June 16, 2010 at 08:15 PM
Bravo for the great neighbor & carpenter Jim D! It's amazing how the right people appear at the right time. What a beautiful job he's done with the ramps! Thanks for helping out the wonderful RDR, Jim D.!
Steve, I'll bet you're counting down the days 'til Alayne & the last 5 roll into the new homestead. I'm looking foward to all being reunited as well.
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | June 16, 2010 at 08:14 PM
I wish Jim was my neighbor! How awesome to have someone so helpful and talented so close. Things are really shaping up at the new RDR!! Soon ALayne will be there with the fabulous 5, and then life begins anew!
Posted by: Doe George | June 16, 2010 at 01:51 PM
There's nothing as wonderful as good neighbors. I'm glad this is coming together so well.
Posted by: Maery Rose | June 16, 2010 at 12:54 PM
Looks just wonderful - Jim D s/l a super terrific neighbor - maybe we could get a shot of him with Molly!
Posted by: Angela | June 16, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Nice work, Jim! Thanks for sharing your time and talent with RDR. They need you! Bow-wow!
Posted by: boundforglory | June 16, 2010 at 12:14 PM
RDR2 is shaping up and coming along so efficiently. I think it's already so much better than the original. There's no adjustment getting used to your new location; it's just too beautiful to not embrace. Has your to-do list gotten any shorter or are new items replacing the completed ones? Take vitamins!
Posted by: Miranda | June 16, 2010 at 11:16 AM
An angel, disguised as a carpenter named Jim D., came to N.H. to help RDR realize its needs. Of all the angels, he did the very best carpentry and that is why he was sent. (It didn't hurt that he also loved God's creatures.) His cover story was that he was a "neighbor". Miss Molly could "see" what he really was and liked to hang out near him "watching" him create. Trooper who???
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | June 16, 2010 at 11:09 AM
The place is really coming together, it seems like you have a real knack for finding who you need when you need him. Jim D's work is very nice and with the dachshund rails would pass any OSHA inspection! The place certainly looks beautiful!
Molly's modeling has come a long way too! Watta doll!
New addition to the herd here...Augie, an 11 yr old Jack Russel. He blended right in...well, after Johnny Ballistic checked him out.....
NPD
Posted by: pjmac7 | June 16, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Steve
Aside of Family, there is no better treasure then Friends the two legged as well as the four (in some cases the three) It looks and sounds like you guys are settleing in really well.
Posted by: Eric | June 16, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Your in New England now we can do anything!! Hopefully even bet LA on Thursday. What a great man Jim D must be I think we need a photo of him with the Dachshunds!
Posted by: gayle | June 16, 2010 at 08:39 AM
That's just wonderful! So glad you have great and talented neighbors.
"Dachshund rail"... that's funny!
Posted by: Lynne Parker | June 16, 2010 at 08:24 AM
Great work by your new neighbor, Jim D. Am looking forward to seeing pictures of the dogs using the ramps plus more of your surroundings. You all are doing an amazing job. Take care.
Posted by: Dee in KY | June 16, 2010 at 07:25 AM
Bravissimo Jim! What a great job!
Your new place, Steve & Alayne, looks more and more fabulous by the day.
By the way, Molly makes a very pretty model.:-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | June 16, 2010 at 02:53 AM
Beautiful work, Jim! Thank you so much for helping Steve, Alayne and the wonderful animals at RDR make life easier!
Posted by: Ann | June 16, 2010 at 01:53 AM
Never mind! I re-read. One to the driveway, one to the yard. Feel free to delete these. :)
Posted by: Kelly | June 15, 2010 at 10:41 PM
Great to hear about your talented and friendly neighbour who does nice work! Things are certainly coming together...love the dachshund rails!
Posted by: Nina | June 15, 2010 at 09:35 PM
Everything looks great. I used to evaluate accessibility and safety for my human students. It is fun for me to see how you are dealing with those issues for your 4 legged "kids" Great job Jim and Steve!
Posted by: Ev | June 15, 2010 at 08:44 PM
Heidi Ho neighbor Jim D.! Kind of reminds me of the friendly mystery neighbor Wilson on the TV show "Home Improvement". Maybe one of Steve's future postings could include a picture of Jim D.'s upper face peering over the top of one of his newly built fences! :) P.S. Beautiful work Jim D.
Posted by: Dee's Mom | June 15, 2010 at 07:48 PM
What beautiful ramps. The dogs must love them. Your new friend and neighbor Jim certainly does nice work. I can't wait to see the inside of the barn and the new cat area.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | June 15, 2010 at 06:30 PM
How awesome that your neighbor is a carpenter!! He did great work!! I'm sure you and the dogs are loving it.
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | June 15, 2010 at 06:26 PM
Nothing short of FABULOUS!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | June 15, 2010 at 05:54 PM
Yeah Jim D.! Nice work. Bet'ch never put in "Dachshund rails" before did ya?? Stick around RDR and you will meet some of the greatest people and bestest critters you ever will get the chance to meet...welcome to the neighborhood (so to speak, since you were there first;))
Posted by: Anne in FL | June 15, 2010 at 05:28 PM