The high-skills major courses are focused on a particular area of study. It helps lead students toward post-secondary education or a job in a particular field.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare works on animal conservation and welfare issues throughout the world. The organization's Northern Dogs Project began 12 years ago when First Nations communities began asking for help with dog management issues. Since then, the organization has been building dog houses, providing vet care, education and other forms of assistance for these communities.

The way of life in some of these remote communities has changed a lot over the years. In the past, these communities relied heavily on working dogs, typically huskies, to haul people and cargo from place to place. These working dogs would have adapted to the harsh environment and been fine without a dog house.

But now, everyone has a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle and the dogs are no longer needed to pull cargo or people, Hannah said.

"Now they're not doing any of those things," she said. "They're caught between what they used to be and maybe what they will become."

Due to the lack of work for the dogs, huskies are no longer the dominant breed up north. Popular culture has influenced many to adopt Labs and pugs and other "designer dogs" that aren't as comfortable in the cold weather.

"They're moving to a lot of the same breeds we have down here," she said, listing off Great Danes, Labs, pugs and other breeds that don't do as well in cold weather. The dog houses will provide these dogs with shelter and a bit of warmth.

Matt Lyle, one of the technology teachers at College Heights, said he's seen a difference with the way his students have worked on these dog houses.

"When they're doing stuff for other people, they're more involved," he said. Four tech classes (45 students) will be building the dog houses in phases. The walls of the houses are mostly constructed. The insulation and roofs will be added to the houses next week.

Home Depot and AMJ Campbell moving company have signed on to help with the cost of the building materials and the transport. The first 30 dog houses are expected to be in place up north and occupied by the end of the month.

cseto@guelphmercury.com