County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control: P.L.A.Y. Pet Beds Grant Report

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

These beds supported dogs in our care by providing additional comfort for those animals with special needs, such as dogs recovering from medical procedures or senior dogs. Not only do the beds contribute to the immediate comfort of animals, but they make them feel better physically and allow them to present better to potential adopters.

How many pets did this grant help?

25

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

One day when planning to donate some gently used towels to her local care center, Donna also made an appointment to view the kennels and some adoptable dogs. Donna had recently lost her senior dog and greatly missed him, as did her two special-needs kitties.

The first two dogs she looked at were young, a little too energetic for Donna, and their social skills with cats were unknown. Someone mentioned another dog who had been at the care center a long time and who seemed to be friendly with everyone. It was a 10-year-old pit bull mix who had some medical needs. This, however, was no concern for Donna, as she had experience with special-needs animals.

Donna decided to foster the dog to evaluate her demeanor and to assess how she might get along with the cats. Any concerns were soon extinguished as she appeared to be a calm dog who interacted gently with the cats.

Three months after fostering the sweet senior, Donna decided to adopt her and provide a permanent home. “There may not be as many years ahead to enjoy this new blessing,” said Donna. “But the quality of the relationship with her makes up for it.” Now named Hula Girl, this remarkable senior now gets to enjoy the family she always deserved.