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The Happy Place: A One Tail Adoption Center Update!

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You’re reading this on Tuesday, but I’m writing this on Monday. It’s almost time for dinner – says Jack, anyway! – and every muscle in my body still aches (Scott’s too; we’ve been commiserating and smiling all at once), my painting trigger finger actually hurts (can you sprain your forearm from spray paint?), and my brain is exhausted but way, way too excited for sleep. Because, you guys? We spent the entire weekend at the One Tail Adoption Center! Since April, we’ve been making lists and buying this, buying that and coordinating with generous sponsors to fill this space and make it one really happy place. The happy place. This past weekend, we finally stopped planning behind computer screens and telephones and just did things. So many things.

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We unpacked boxes, we obsessed over art, we built shelving systems and painted doors and potted plants and cursed the wind, heat and rain for not playing nice. We cleaned floors and windows and whacked weeds and crossed things off our list and highlighted what’s left.

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We lured in a few friends with the promise of free beer and lunch, and we could not have gotten as much done as we did without them! (At one point, Scott and I thought we could design and execute the entire thing by ourselves, and then reality laughed in our faces.) I could literally cry just thinking about it, and I may have obnoxiously thanked them twenty-too-many times. Even still, biggest of thank yous to Marti for rocking the flat packed boxes, Angela for the green thumb, Kathryn for sanding All the Things, Mark for the dead-shrub-plucking and Adrienne for the expert art framing! Scott has been 100% in from the start, making and hatching plans, punching those plans in the face, and losing sleep right alongside me.

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We’re a few weeks out from the official opening, and we’ve somehow inserted ourselves a bit too deep into the weave of the Center (are you okay with that, Heather?). There’s still a lot to do, but we’re getting there. In the end, we want future pet parents to drive up to One Tail, see that happy place and think, I’m going to adopt my dog today.

You can learn all about the One Tail at a Time Adoption Center right here and watch the world’s sweetest video. Today is the last day of donations, and we’ve been thrilled to see the One Tail team surpass their goal not once, not twice, but three times.

PS: So much love to the Adoption Center sponsors shown in this post! Thank you to Dyson for sending us a V6 Absolute to keep pet hair GONE (game changer!), MegMade for the gorgeous dresser, Lulu & Georgia for the pet-friendly outdoor rug and Osborne & Little for the wallpaper. The outpouring of support to help us whip this place into shape has been nothing short of amazing.

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  • Trisha7.21.15 - 7:26 AM

    You guys are amazing! I work out right around the corner from OTAT (Fit Body Boot Camp on Webster) and have watched the work progress from the exterior. Of course, MegMade would help you out. They are so wonderful – I’ve been buying things from them for years – back when they sold on Craigslist. Great work and kudos to you and all of your friends.ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.21.15 - 9:32 AM

      We love Meg! Her business has grown immensely over the years, and well deserved, too! She’s definitely inspiring.ReplyCancel

  • Mary G7.21.15 - 8:04 AM

    I am still so obsessed with that wallpaper. It’s perfect! Loving the gold touches as well. You guys rock!

    Where did you get those large photos done of the dogs? I would love to frame a photo that size of my own rescue pup.ReplyCancel

  • Bonnie7.21.15 - 8:19 AM

    i definitely teared up reading this! So inspiring–great job! Thinking about all the happy pups who will be adopted from OTAT puts a serious smile on my face!ReplyCancel

  • Stacy7.21.15 - 8:31 AM

    It looks just fabulous! I am so impressed.ReplyCancel

  • Ashley7.21.15 - 8:48 AM

    OMG, that dresser is absolute perfection! I have something similar and now I’m contemplating painting it . . . Just what I need, another project.

    You guys did a fantastic job!!!ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.21.15 - 9:34 AM

      MegMade will paint furniture for you if that’s an option! Definitely give them a call and they can explain the process!ReplyCancel

  • Carrie @DreamGreenDIY7.21.15 - 9:13 AM

    SO thrilling to see all of that epic progress!! I can’t wait to see the final space =)ReplyCancel

  • Marti @ProjectPalermo7.21.15 - 9:19 AM

    I was happy to help – thanks for inviting me! Can’t wait to see the space with all of your finishing touches and all of the happy dogs.ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.21.15 - 9:33 AM

      I cringe to think of how far behind we would be if you hadn’t unpacked and built pretty much everything. ROCK STAR.ReplyCancel

  • Fara7.21.15 - 4:47 PM

    Love the dresser! If you guys need anymore of those outlet covers or faceplates, I have a box full that we no longer need. Would be happy to send them to you!ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.21.15 - 5:01 PM

      Thanks, Fara! I THINK we’re all set, but I’ll definitely let you know if we find any that need replacing while we race to the finish line!ReplyCancel

  • Jodi7.22.15 - 8:48 AM

    this is SO GREAT!! it looks amazing and i can tell that you guys have put your heart and soul in to the whole thing. wonderful!!!

    and when we finally move back to chicago, i am for sure going to adopt our next dog from OTAT!!!ReplyCancel

  • Trude7.22.15 - 9:54 AM

    Compared to the shelter I’ve worked with, this place is looking out-of-this-world gorgeous. I wish you guys could come and do this in every city! :) A happy environment definitely makes for more willing adopters! Can’t wait to see the rest!ReplyCancel

  • Josh | The Kentucky Gent7.22.15 - 11:54 AM

    The framed photos of the pups?! TOO CUTE.

    Josh | The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.comReplyCancel

  • […] I’m being honest, we haven’t gotten as far as we would’ve liked on the garage – for good reason! – but it’s coming along. A couple weeks ago, we laid out the configuration, but it’s far […]ReplyCancel

  • Ruth8.4.15 - 2:19 PM

    Kim! Where did you guys find that beautiful pineapple plant pot? It’s absolutely gorgeous! *Crossing my fingers that it wasn’t a yard sale find…*ReplyCancel

  • Alyssa8.5.15 - 2:48 PM

    I LOVE that wallpaper and hope to use it in a future baby’s room!ReplyCancel

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