Coconino Humane Association: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

The grant funds were used to purchase canine enrichment toys, puzzle bowls, snuffle mats, supplies for pup-pops, and the supplies to make PVC food-dispenser toys.

The grant funds helped us ensure that the dogs in our care get good brain stimulation through working for treats, chewing, and playing. This helps to keep stress levels down, prevent boredom, and keep noise levels down.

How many pets did this grant help?

50-100 at a time!

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

Caro (first three photos) was adopted from us as a puppy. Her adopters underestimated how much time and energy it takes to raise a puppy into a well-adjusted dog. She was kept in a crate during the day, allowed to have the zoomies for a bit, and then it was bedtime. She was not getting the opportunity to exert energy or use her brain.

After getting into trouble by chewing the wall, chewing the new couch, regularly jumping on the toddler, and finally nipping the toddler’s arm when he tried to push her away from his food, Caro was returned to the shelter.

Caro was a wild girl! She needed to learn manners and redirection and to be better socialized with people and other dogs. The puzzle and interactive toys helped to give her something to work on while she was in her kennel.

Our trainer worked with her on impulse control and “sit/stay,” with rope and plush toys to play with in between lessons. After nearly two months of daily training, ball-chasing, play groups, and volunteer love and walks, Caro was ready to be adopted!