The Cocoon’s New Dog Run Made Possible Through the Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation
December 31, 2024
How much do people love their pets? Ask any dog owner and they will likely tell you they consider their pet a member of the family. So, imagine how a survivor and their children must feel when forced to leave their beloved dog behind when trying to escape domestic violence. But now, thanks to a new dog run at The Cocoon, a domestic and sexual violence agency in Wood County, that beloved dog can accompany survivors and their children to The Cocoon’s safe shelter.
The idea of the dog run was initiated by Pastor Jeff Schooley, First Presbyterian of Bowling Green and Pastor Katie Rivera-Torrea, First Presbyterian of Perrysburg. Mary Beth Gilts, a member of First Presbyterian of Perrysburg’s Community Outreach Committee, led the church’s participation in the project. Gilts then asked her husband Rick, a member of the Perrysburg Rotary Club, to submit a grant application to the Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation. He, in turn, reached out to the Bowling Green Rotary Club to see if they would become involved.
The dog run eventually evolved into a community-wide project with the Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation contributing $3,000. First Presbyterian of Perrysburg contributed $3,000, and First Presbyterian of Bowling Green and the Bowling Green Rotary Club each contributed $1,000. The total cost of the dog run was approximately $8,000, which includes a maintenance fund.
The dog run is located on The Cocoon’s property and features a 60’x90’ fenced in area with two spaces for dogs to be off leash while on site. The dog run also includes two dog houses built by local Eagle Scout Zachary Clement. Dogs, who are staying in The Cocoon’s shelter with their families, have access to use the run for exercise and to play off leash. The dog run is not open to the public.
The Cocoon has served as a beacon of hope to survivors of domestic and sexual violence since 2005. With ongoing support from the community, The Cocoon has evolved into Wood County’s only comprehensive and holistic domestic and sexual violence agency. Each year, more than 900 survivors, their children and family pets seek support and refuge within its doors.
The Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation was established in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) public charity. PRCF has contributed more than $2 million in grants to support local and international projects. “Our vision is to become the ‘go to’ Community Foundation in greater Perrysburg and Northern Wood County,” says Jack Sculfort, PRCF Executive Director. “The Cocoon’s dog run is a great example of using our funds and our reach to partner with other non-profit organizations to transform lives.”
To learn more about the Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation’s projects or to donate, visit prcf.org or contact PRCF Executive Director Jack Sculfort at 419-343-5920 or jack.sculfort@prcf.org. Charitable contributions to the PRCF are tax deductible based on current IRS guidelines.
Pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Cocoon’s dog run are (L-R): Kayla Evanoff, The Cocoon’s Shelter Manager; Zachary Clement, Eagle Scout; Kathy Mull,The Cocoon’s Executive Director; Mary Beth Gilts, member of First Presbyterian Church of Perrysburg who led their church’s fundraising efforts; Pastor Katie Rivera-Torrea, First Presbyterian of Perrysburg; Pastor Jeff Schooley, First Presbyterian of Bowling Green; Susan Nelson, Vice Chair, Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation; and Justin Henck, President Elect, Bowling Green Rotary Club.
