Old and disabled dogs may find sanctuary at proposed Laguna Beach project

Old dogs across Orange County will have something to wag their tails about if the Laguna Beach Planning Commission approves development of a sanctuary for senior and disabled dogs in need of homes.

The concept and design of the proposed sanctuary, named Unconditional, were discussed at Wednesday’s commission meeting.

If approved, the dog sanctuary would be built at what used to be Coastal Kennels, a boarding facility for up to 100 cats and dogs at 20592 Laguna Canyon Road. Unconditional would house, at most, 40 dogs 8 or older or with physical disabilities.

The proposed project also would include a retail store selling Unconditional merchandise, two living rooms for the dogs to socialize in, administrative offices and a kennel area.

Unconditional would be the first adoption facility in Southern California dedicated to senior and disabled dogs. It would operate as a nonprofit animal rescue, along with the neighboring Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

Amy and Julian Mack bought the site in February, though Amy Mack said the concept behind Unconditional has been alive for about a year and a half.

The Macks started their animal advocacy in Chicago, where they worked with PAWS Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to animal rescue and healthcare.

Through PAWS Chicago, the Macks helped found the Lincoln Park Adoption Center in 2007 and helped raise funds to spay and neuter countless rescued animals. After moving to Laguna Beach several years ago, the Macks wanted to bring the advocacy work they saw in Chicago to their new community.

“I think [Unconditional] will be something Laguna will embrace,” Amy said. “There’s so much good work being done with spay and neuter in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. There’s a lot of wonderful groups and programs.

“This is really the last missing link to be able to improve the lives of dogs significantly. We’re just really excited about it and hope people share the same passion for these dogs.”

Planning Commissioner Ken Sadler called it a “great improvement” to replace the Coastal Kennels building, which is vacant and in need of landscaping.

Amy Mack hopes to bring the project to fruition in the next two years.

“I feel really bad that a lot of people don’t appreciate these seniors, but I think if we get them out there and in front of people, a lot of that can change,” she said. “Twenty years ago, adopting a dog was kind of a novel concept and today it’s become very popular. So hopefully, if we’re able to get this out in front of people, that will make a big difference.”

The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at City Hall.