By Max Oppen
TANNERSVILLE – Village Trustee George Kelly and his wife Paris presented Deputy K9 Officer Kaitlyn Raynor of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department with a custom-built “dog mansion” Kelly says is valued at $9,000. The spacious shelter, constructed over three months in the middle of winter, will house Rainer’s one-year-old Belgian Malinois, according to Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky.
Construction began when Paris Kelly was recovering in the hospital. Reflecting on those difficult days, George Kelly explained, “While my wife was critically injured in the hospital, I approached her in regards to building a massive doghouse to pay back the first responders as a form of thanks. So, Platoon Sergeant for the Greene County Sheriff’s Department Ryan Schrader was happy to connect us with Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky, who gladly accepted our hard work and love regarding the K9 donation. We were ecstatic to be allowed to improve the mountaintop we call home.”
Over three chilly months, Kelly, his brother, and hired help worked on and off through frigid temperatures. The final retail cost, including parts and labor, was approximately $9,000, according to Kelly.
Paris Kelly’s gratitude for local first responders inspired the project’s spirit. As Trustee Kelly noted, “Paris loves all local cops up here, including Deputy Sheriff Amy Wyland, who is a dear friend and neighbor who was a proponent of this wonderful donation. With her many illnesses, Paris is grateful to the Greene County Sheriff, the Town of Hunter Police Department, and the Hunter Area Ambulance. She thought it would renew the spirit of public donation to those who protect and serve us community members.”
Before beginning the project, Trustee Kelly, with the assistance of Sergeant Ryan Schrader, visited a shop in Cairo and found comparable enclosures that were “half the size, poorly made, and two times the price,” Trustee Kelly said. “We exceeded our initial plans for a doghouse and ended up constructing a Tiny Home – a dog mansion with outdoor and indoor fencing. “The ceiling is large enough for a human being to stand in and even live in. Our materials were bought locally and were nothing but the highest quality. We felt it was worth our time instead of purchasing a $5,000 subpar dog enclosure.”
This gift follows another Kelly family donation two years ago when they contributed $5,000 to equip the Hunter Police Department with tasers. “After working for the City of New York and other agencies, the camaraderie has never left my blood,” said Kelly.
Sheriff Kusminsky praised the Kellys’ generosity: “I want to recognize George Kelly for his generous donation. His support of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness and safety of our K-9 teams, and I am truly thankful for his commitment to helping us serve and protect our community.” Kusminsky added that Rip, the new occupant of the dog mansion, has just been certified in explosive detection.
Tannersville Mayor Lee McGunnigle also offered his thanks: “Deputy Mayor George Kelly has exhibited his continued unwavering commitment to our community, time and time again, for our health, safety, and welfare. I am grateful to work alongside him to ensure our Sheriff deputies have the necessary resources. This philanthropy and outreach brings us together and helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and our residents.”
McGunnigle added that he was lucky to have such a dedicated team of first responders.
“I love community spirit – I love giving back,” Kelly concluded. “My wife and I wanted to stir the pot of community service to attract other like-minded individuals with their ideas.”
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