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“I don’t know how many times I stood out there and said, ‘I wish I could wash my hands. I wish I could find the food that was donated to me,’” Harris said as she watched a crew from DIY Network’s “Garage Mahal” show renovate the space into a streamlined dog kennel Thursday. The garage makeover show spent three days filming the episode.
“This was my dream,” Harris said as three puppies romped around her feet. “I know that’s cliche, but this was my dream.”
Harris is Castaic Animal Shelter’s “primary puppy mom,” meaning she fosters puppies in her home until they’re old enough to be adopted out. She’s been at it for six years, which means many a pooch has been through her garage.
“I just wanted to get some organization,” Harris said. She saw a casting call for the show and decided to throw her hat in the ring. A week later, her garage was overrun with crew members and host Bill Goldberg.
“We’re making the entire space functional and seamless,” Goldberg said. The retired professional wrestler said he has been a Humane Society of the United States spokesman and that the issue is “close to his heart.”
“I’m ecstatic because it’s another way to give animals a voice,” Goldberg said. “This is something that will definitely make a difference. She’s a very worthy person. You can tell her passion. In a day and age when people only think of themselves, it’s great to see someone helping (others). It’s very rewarding.”
Now, Harris’s garage is outfitted with kennels, countertops, lots of storage space, two washer and dryer sets and a drain in the floor to make cleaning a breeze.
Hsiawen Hull, lead volunteer at the shelter, said Harris is crucial to its operation.
“With her facility, she’s really stretched thin,” Hull said. “This will allow her more flexibility.”
Harris said she’s always loved dogs.
“I just love what I do. I feel like I’m making a difference,” she said.
Harris’s garage makeover was filmed for the third season of “Garage Mahal.” The show airs at 6:30 p.m. Friday nights on the DIY Network.
