Dahloenga-Lumpkin County Humane Society/TLC: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

The money was used to improve our big and small dog parks. We wanted to add stimulating activities and enrichment for the dogs and puppies, where we could also teach obedience. We bought obstacle courses, things to jump through and over, doggy pools and sand pits, and tug-of-war stands; we also remembered the people who help out and bought two giant umbrellas and picnic tables.

This grant helped us with the animals because our yearly funding for maintenance went into our attic, as we had to install new insulation. With this grant, we were able to give the dogs a new play area.

How many pets did this grant help?

30-50. It will also help any dog who comes in the future.

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

This grant helped two of our dogs specifically. The first dog is Andreas (first photo). Andreas was hit by a car two years ago and needed emergency surgery to his back legs. With the new dog parks, we are able to get him the exercise he needs and wants. He loves to play tug-of-war and run around, and little by little we have been able to strengthen his back legs. Andreas’s story: Andreas is that one dog who everyone feels bad for. Andreas was hit by a car and left in a ditch to die. Animal Control came out to get him and they were lucky enough to find his owner. His owner was unable to take care of Andreas, so he was surrendered to Animal Control. We then transferred Andreas into our shelter so that he could get the help he so desperately needed. He went through multiple surgeries for his dislocated hip and broken leg. He spent a few months recovering at our vet and he is finally healthy enough to come to the shelter! He still has a little trouble walking and will need to be on joint supplements for the rest of his life, but he just the BEST dog. Meet him: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/39534094

The other dog is Garth (second photo). Garth loved to dig, and in his run, he would make a very muddy mess and tear up toys. With the grant money, we bought a sand pit and we were able to hide toys and treats in it, which he loved. With this, he has stopped digging in his run. Meet him: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/41378338