Marshall County Animal Control: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

The Orvis grant money was used for enrichment items at our dog shelter. We were able to purchase items that the dogs would otherwise not receive while staying at the shelter. The items included a radio and rechargeable batteries for music enrichment, dog treats, Kong toys, baby pools for cooling down and baths, blankets, leashes for going on walks with volunteers, and shampoo. It's like Christmas at the dog shelter!

It's very obvious that music calms the dogs. We house an average of 35 dogs within one building, so music has a great calming effect. All the dogs love their daily treats and walking with volunteers on their new leashes. Another big hit among the dogs are the cow ears and Dentastix. All these wonderful enrichment items reduce the overall stress level of each dog.

How many pets did this grant help?

100 or more

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Poor Lolita (first photo) is currently the resident who’s been with us the longest. She enjoys the radio being by her kennel. She gets excited to get a daily treat. She is thrilled to go for walks with volunteers now that there is an adequate supply of good leashes available. Lolita’s favorite treat is cow ears! She was also able to enjoy a cool-down bath in the baby pool twice already. She’s an easy girl to please, but it’s heartwarming to know we can now provide her and many others with an added bonus on each of their days with us.

Lolita is still available for adoption but has a commitment from a rescue organization and will be transported in two weeks. Meet Lolita here.