Different Dog Houses




	John L Gay


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Different Dog Houses

  At the Houston Dog Show of 2009, company that I worked for asked if I could help with the making of a dog house for a competition for the Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP). I was glad to help but what happened was that I ended designing and building the project in about a week's time.

    Well the boat building was a huge success. The Galleon won the People's Choice, the Kid's Choice and the Dog Vote by a huge margin. It was auction off for $800 and the guy who won the bid said that his dogs love to dress up as pirates. It was a big draw for CAP they were able to raise more money and awareness for their group. Because of the galleon, there was a lot of indirect money raised. You should have seen the crowds and especially the kids. They were getting on and playing with it, there were a lot of folks who saw it and went to find their friends to make sure that they saw it too. CAP was very, very happy. It was fun.

    The show itself was really great with some of the most beautiful and well behaved dogs that I have only heard about. This is the second largest dog show in the states. A ton of people were there. But at the end of the show, people and dogs felt the same. Also I met some new neighbors and other friendly folks while building this in the driveway.

I did the plans after the dog houst was built. so the over all demensions are 32" wide x 64" long x 84" tall. So it can fit into most homes. With just a few changes it can turn into a toy box or something else.

CAP placed the galleon at the center of the area

I can make you one for $3,400.00

This is a shot showing the competition.

It also makes a fun kitty play spot.

Me with the galleon.

Trojan Horse Dog House

The Trojan Horse Doghouse

For 10 years, Athens warred with Troy. To end this conflict, Athens built a wood horse and left the field of battle. The Trojans thought that this was a tribute to them and their fine horses. They opened massive gates that had successfully held Athens’ army from their city and dragged this fine horse tribute inside. The Trojans celebrated their victory. Later that night, some Athens soldiers—who were hidden inside this monument—came out from hiding, quietly opened the gates to their forces, set the wood horse on fire and burned the city of Troy to the ground. Thus, the victory went to the Greeks from Athens. From that time on, this clever deceptive ploy has been known as The Trojan Horse.

For years, scholars wondered what the real Trojan Horse really looked like. Well, the answer is simple. Some of the Greek war ships could no longer be seaworthy after 10 years, so it was a simple matter of taking an old war boat from the harbor, and with some simple cuts, transforming it into the famous horse.

Recycled wood. That is why I made this Trojan Horse from reclaimed cedar and treated pine fence boards. To protect it from the weather, it has two coats of water-proofing sealer and two coats of marine varnish. The mane of the horse head is the major support for the head, the tail and head was made from ½-in. thick cedar and the body was made from 3/8-in. thick cedar while the support frame is made from ½-in. thick treated pine.

This is a wonderful doghouse. But what about other uses for the Trojan Horse? Perhaps a child’s toy box….On the adult side, for use as a liquor cabinet, as well as a garden or outdoor cooking supply chest. It has proven itself to be quite water-resistant.

Whatever the use for this fine tribute, all of the monies raised will go to the Citizens for Animal Protection and the wonderful work that this organization does. I am really happy to contribute a small part.

By the way, I live with cats, and they have been enjoying investigating and napping with this project.

One of the finer design features of the Trophy Dog House is that it can be separated into three independent units. So they can be set-up together or used for different things. Materials used were recycled (what might be called scraps) from other projects. ● The base of the dog house (center) is in the shape of a classic dog bone. The back is removable for easy access and cleaning. It is made from an old cedar fence. This is a fine wood with many advantages. Having been outside for 30 years or more, it is lightweight, dry and very strong. Resurfacing the boards down to about a ½-inch thickness reveals a beautiful reddish brown color; age reveals a lot of its personality. This piece would also make a wonderful outdoor coffee table. The size is about 48” long x 24” wide x 20” tall and weighs only 45 pounds.● The cube stand (far left) is a three-drawer cabinet made from a high-end Baltic birch ¾-in. plywood. The drawer faces are poplar. The drawers are three different depths. The smaller one can be used for important papers and the largest can hold collars and walking leashes. It is a 13-in. cube and weighs about 20 lbs.● The trophy (far right) is really a doggie armoire that can be a single place for all doggie needs. Things like toys, food, medicine, seasonal change of clothing and so much more. Don’t tell anyone about this, but the floor of the of the armoire is really a cover for a secret storage space inside the bowl area. Okay, perhaps you can tell: because without a round covering, most folks would figure it out anyway. But below that, in the cylinder there is a secret, secret place for your doggie treasures. The cylinder that supports the bowl that supports the cabinet that supports the crown is made from poplar wood with red oak trim. The trophy is 45” tall x 26” diameter with a wingspan of 38” and weighs only 65 lbs. I must admit that turning a piece this large was a learning experience and kind of scary at times.When all of the units are put together, the Trophy Dog House stands about 6’-6” tall and weighs only about 135 lbs. Another great feature is that the three sections described and shown above lock together. Just by using a #2 square drive to tighten a wing lock and the I made you the driver so it is included.There is 1 more thing, placing a pillow in the crown your kitty will have a nice place for a nap.