Where We Are So Far
Thanks to some generous donors, we were able to purchase a 2016 Ford Transit with just 39,000 miles. It’s the safe, easy-to-park, gas-efficient visit van Dominique has needed. We removed the seats and added a 9-foot aluminum ramp. After months of trying different surfaces, including grip tape, rubber mats and spray coatings, we finally found a sandy coating that keeps his little hooves from slipping going up or down.
We’ve come so far, but our funds are running very low.
What We Still Need
To keep Dominique safe on the road, we need to build a custom wooden stall inside the van, with a padded breast bar that secures him much like a seat belt secures us. We also need special mats to absorb urine and odors. Dominique wears a bun bag, but the mats are the extra layer of protection. Dominique has many visit requests waiting, but we can’t get back on the road until these are finished.
Will You Help?
Dominique’s visits are always free, because love and smiles should be FREE for everyone. His photos with loved ones have even been used in obituaries and memorial services because families hadn’t seen their loved one smile in so long. Your gift, large or small, help bring that joy to hurting adults and children.
All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for sharing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dominique do?
Dominique brings smiles and love to hurting children and adults through free visits at [care homes, hospitals, schools, memorial events, etc.]. His photos with loved ones have even been used in obituaries and memorial services, because families hadn’t seen their loved one smile in so long.
Are Dominique’s visits really free?
Yes, always free. Love and smiles should be for everyone. Visits are made possible by sponsors and by kind donations from people who want to be part of those smiles.
Why can’t Dominique visit right now?
Our insurance company will no longer cover Sandy in her old truck and trailer, so we can’t safely or legally go on visits until the van is ready. Dominique has many visit requests waiting, and we’re eager to get back to them.
Why a van instead of a trailer?
The van is safer and easier. It’s a 2016 Ford Transit with 39,000 miles, gas efficient, and it fits in a regular parking space when closed. The roof is tall enough for Sandy to stand up and get Dominique ready inside, under lights. She no longer has to tie him up beside a road next to the trailer in the dark.
What is the ramp, and why did it take so long?
Dominique walks into the van on a 9-foot aluminum ramp, and his small hooves need secure footing. Finding a surface that worked took months of testing around Sandy’s work and travel schedule. The aluminum teeth were fine for shoes but not for hooves. Grip tape worked until summer heat melted it. A rubber mat was too heavy, and a spray coating was too slippery on its own. A sandy coating finally did the trick.
What is the stall, and why does he need one?
The stall is a small wooden enclosure with a padded breast bar that holds Dominique securely while the van is moving. It works much like a seat and seat belt do for us. It keeps him safe on every trip.
What are the mats and the “bun bag”?
Dominique wears a bun bag, which catches droppings. We also need absorbent mats for the stall floor to soak up urine and odors. Together they keep the van clean and comfortable for Dominique and those who travel with him when he visits.We’ll measure for the mats once the stall is built.
Where will my donation go?
Gifts go toward the wood for the stall, the stall mats, fun graphics on the outside of the van, and a general fund for gas, tolls, van maintenance, his yearly vet checkup and shots, clipping, and food. They also cover chemical-free grooming supplies that are safe for children, and support for this website so everyone can follow his adventures.
Can I sponsor something specific?
Yes. Visit our Sponsor Page to choose an item, such as stall wood, mats, van graphics, gas and maintenance, or grooming supplies.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Dominique’s Smiles is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
I can’t give right now. How else can I help?
Share this page with friends, family and local groups. If you have skills or materials, such as carpentry, graphic design or lumber, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out our contact form at this link.
How can I follow Dominique’s progress?
Check back here and on facebook and YouTube, where we’ll post updates as the stall goes in and Dominique hits the road.
How can I help?
Sandy’s # is 518-256-5610. Or fill our the form to get in touch.
Donate to bring on the Smile!
Donate to help Dominique bring joy and smiles to adults and children who need it. Remember all visits are free!
All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for sharing!
