Adopt-A-Dog: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

The funds were used to purchase enrichment toys for the dogs in our care who needed new stimulation. Many have been long-term residents, so we look to find different ways to engage and interest them. These funds were used to buy Kongs, flirt poles, Chuckit! cubes, and tunnels.

The funds helped our pack a lot by giving them new things to play with, especially during the winter months and during Covid when volunteers were not able to come on-site to walk them. In addition, the Kongs helped our volunteers stay engaged through our Kong and Dash program: We left empty Kongs in a bin outside and volunteers would take them home, fill them with shelter-approved treats, and then drop them back. A win/win for dogs and people!

How many pets did this grant help?

18

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

Because many of our dogs do not socialize well with other dogs, they need to be stimulated by toys and activities with their trainers and handlers. All of the Adopt-A-Dog pack benefited from the toys and activities purchased with the Orvis Animal Care Grant. One example of a specific dog who benefited is Leo (first photo), who is our longest resident and sadly needed ACL surgery. While he did his rehab and recovery, those Kongs filled with treats kept him calm and busy! Meet Leo here.