Freedom for Fido finished their 100th fence Thursday, July 27. To celebrate, volunteers and supporters gathered at Fannin Brewery Friday, July 28.
Jackie and Fritz Gilbert, of Mineral Bluff, started the non-profit in 2019. In their first year, “Fido” built four fences. Since then, they have given almost 300 dogs the freedom to run, jump and play in their very own fenced yard. “Watching them run once we finish a fence is the best part of what we do,” Fritz said. “Thinking about all those dogs in all those fences running free still today.”
When asked what 100 fences means to her, Jackie said, “Reaching a goal I never thought we’d get to.” But “Fido” has no plans to slow down. They have already moved onto their 101 fence and have set the next goal of 200 fences.
“That’s a lot of poles, a lot of poles and a lot of fencing. But it’s so fun,” volunteer Jim Williams, of Morganton, said. He and his wife, Betty, have worked on 20 builds.