Kitsap Humane Society opened a new shelter dog play yard Tuesday, giving the dogs a break from their kennels and a place to run around.

The 4,000-square-foot play yard comes after the previous yard was demolished late last year to make room for the construction of a new Pet Adoption Center set to open this summer. While the new shelter will offer better and more spacious housing for the animals, the loss of the former play yard along with the construction noise has increased the need for an outdoor dog space, according to KHS.

Donors Cody Allyn and David Ferguson made the $50,000 contribution to build the play yard during the annual KHS gala, Animal Krackers, last fall. Their donation was met with a standing ovation. Ferguson and Allyn together have adopted eight shelter dogs.

“We have a longstanding connection to Kitsap Humane Society, to animals, and to rescue dogs in particular,” Ferguson said in a press release. “It’s just so much fun.”

The Cody Allyn, David Ferguson and Pat and Bob Barbarita Dog Play Yard was celebrated with a toast honoring the longtime supporters and donors of KHS. The Barbaritas, who live out of state, were unable to attend.

“We’re so grateful to Cody and David for this amazing space and the enrichment it will provide for our shelter dogs,” Assistant Animal Welfare Director Samantha Fairweather said. “Animals who have a place to play have a better chance of being adopted and having success in their new homes.”

Allyn, a former KHS board member, said he and Ferguson “wanted to do something to help benefit the animals at KHS.”

“There’s just so many wonderful things that happen here, like rescuing dogs from other shelters and states where animals need help,” Allyn added.