A NEW CRATE FOR MAGGIE

Well, as you can see

Maggie Ann is a big girl.

Here she is with her favorite (big) bone.

And one of her balls.

I'm watching you Mr. Ball.

Here she is in her crate. 

She was in need of larger living quarters.

I investigated buying the next size up for her which would

have worked for her size perfectly.

But the size was a few inches too big for where her crate is located.

So the only other option was to custom build her a crate.

So that is what I did.

 I had to rebuild it a couple of times actually.

I'll explain later.

So lets get started. 

I bought porch pickets for the frame because they would be sturdy enough

without being as big as a 2x4.

I measured many times for the exact width and length 

that would fit in her space.

I had to make sure I could slide the barn door

open and close without a problem.

So here's the framework of the crate.

I recycled the turquoise doors that I had used

for Cocoa and Tilly's condo.

After Tilly died, Cocoa always slept on the bed with us

so I didn't need the corner condo anymore.

Here's a sweet pic of our big girl

keeping me company one day when I

was sick in bed.

For the flooring of her crate I decided to use

some left over wood flooring we had used on

another house project.

I turned it upside down and attached it to the bottom of the frame.

Here's a look inside of the crate.

I don't know of many dogs that have hardwood flooring in their crates.

Remember when I said I built it a couple of times, well

when I got ready to move it into place

the flooring protruded just enough that I couldn't get it through the door way.

(Words were said people)

But she's worth it.

She's such a pretty girl!

I also used the flooring on the top.

I didn't make it solid because I wanted her to see some light

and have ventilation.

I also didn't add the top until everything fit properly in the space.

I forgot to mention that I wrapped the frame in hardware cloth.

I forgot to take pictures of that. 

It's kinda hard to see her but she's sitting up in there.

I love my bone.

You might notice that the frame is not symmetrical anymore.

It started out that way but when I moved it into place (again)

the barn door wouldn't slide open and close properly. I had not allowed for

the wire and screws that protruded (just a little) but enough.

So once again I took one side apart and cut it off.

Leaving just one side lite.

(I said a few more words again.)

But finally, it was in place and finished.

The barn door can slide open and close without any problems.

I think she's happy.

And Maggie can sit up, stand up and stretch out with any problems.

 She is worth all the work to make that happen.

Here she is watching for squirrels.

Hope you have sweet dreams pretty girl.

I raise my eyes toward the mountains.

Where will my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

 Psalm 121:1 & 2