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Introducing Tyson From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-104

Tyson is leaving the animal shelter.

This is Tyson. He was surrendered to the animal shelter because his owners couldn't give him the love he deserves. Luckily, a young couple has stepped forward to adopt him. They already have one dog and want to be sure that she and Tyson get off to a good start. Tips, tricks and one cool doghouse are all in store on this episode of Barkitecture.

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Meka and Tyson have become fast friends.

Tyson

Tyson is a handsome Staffordshire bull terrier that has been adopted by Dave and Nicole England. The Englands have been seeking a companion for their dog, Meka. Fortunately, Meka and Tyson get along very well.

Dr. Karen Tobias and Kenny Alfonso are on board to help the transition from shelter to home a little easier on Tyson. Dr. Karen will offer some helpful hints and tips for owning a pit bull and take the Englands out to get pet supplies. Kenny will build Tyson and Meka a funky and functional doghouse.

At first, Nicole was very tense about adopting a pit bull. Dave grew up with the breed and has always loved them. Dr. Karen reports that though pit bulls have a bad reputation, their behavior mostly depends on how you train them.

Animal shelters require each adoptive family to meet certain minimum requirements before allowing them to adopt an animal. How stringent these requirements are depend largely on the number of animals they are trying to place. Areas with fewer lost, abandoned or surrendered pets tend to have higher standards than those shelters trying to find any home for the hundreds of animals they see each week.

A step taken by shelters to help with the large number of animals is to spay or neuter any dog or cat that passes through the system. Tyson will spend one more night in the shelter being neutered, receiving a final check-up and having his vaccinations.

The doghouse will be a mini-replica of the England family home.

Doghouse Plans

Meka has a new roommate and a house needs to be designed where both she and Tyson are comfortable. The most important factor here is that Tyson feels at home with his new family. To incorporate him in the new home, Kenny will build a doghouse that looks like the England's home. Siding and brick will be added to match the house.

The steps to building a miniature copy of the England’s house for Meka and Tyson are about the same as building any house. The foundation will be made of pressure treated 2x4's. The floor will be added and then the walls. The walls will be framed with 2x4 studs on 16 inch centers and then roof trusses will be constructed. The whole thing will be sheeted with plywood, vinyl siding and a faux brick sheet on the front.

Barkitecture Tidbit:

• The American Kennel Club began chronicling breeds in 1876 and there are now 151 recognized breeds. Staffordshire bull terriers were added in 1974.

RESOURCES :

Young-Williams Animal Center
Website: www.knoxpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com