Valley Humane Society: Purina and Amazon Treats for the Holidays Grant Report

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

The dog treats were used for our dogs residing at our facility and also dogs in foster homes. In February and March, we brought in 49 dogs. Treats are used to coax dogs on walks, reward them for basic training achievements and increase their socialization in a family environment.

The dogs residing at our facility are walked five times per day. Treats are good motivators to take them on walks and get them in and out of their individual kennels.

How many pets did this grant help?

49

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

On March 16, 2016, VHS brought in a 2-year-old male Dalmatian from Stockton Animal Services. The dog, called Darby, had been found as a stray in the Stockton area, not neutered and very unsure of his surroundings. Once under our care, he was neutered and treated for giardia and an upper respiratory infection. He was put on several medications, including pain relief after the neuter surgery, and obviously was uncomfortable and not feeling well. He was hesitant to go on walks and nervous when loud trucks or motorcycles passed by. Treats were a key motivator to get Darby out in the sun to stretch his legs and get some exercise. Volunteers kept treats in their pockets to keep him moving as he often stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and wouldn’t budge for long stretches of time.

On March 25, Darby was adopted to a local family with another male Dalmatian and they are committed to working on his behavior and helping him gain confidence that he is loved in his new forever home.