Furry Friends Refuge: KONG Toys Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
We have used the Kong toys to keep the dogs at our shelter appropriately and safely entertained while they await forever homes.
Our organization cares for several dogs who need a great deal of stimulation but also need resilient toys; the Kong products have met that need perfectly during the times when our volunteers and staff are not interacting with them. It has reduced the possibility that an under-engaged dog will begin acting destructively or in a way that endangers him/her.
At the same time, they are a great way for our less-active dogs to still enjoy playtime with volunteers. In particular, we have a diabetic dog who is underweight and his overweight mother in our care; the two very much enjoy the Kong squeaky balls, as well as Kongs filled with pumpkin.
How many pets did this grant help?
20
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Hi, my name is Einstein (first photo), and I am a 3-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier. I was abandoned, found by a friendly animal control officer and then brought to Furry Friends Refuge shortly after. The staff at Furry Friends have learned that I REALLY LOVE people, so much so that I jump up to give kisses. In fact, I can jump almost six feet straight up, so I need a fence that high in my forever home. I am very smart and love to learn things, but if I’m not kept busy, I can get into mischief. Kong Extreme products fix that — they keep me busy and are some of my favorite toys. I am still looking for a forever home where I can be the only pet.
Hi, my name is Jake (second photo), and I am a 10-year-old Chesapeake Bay mix who came to Furry Friends when my owner passed away. The shelter staff tell me, when no one else is around, that I’m the sweetest dog they have at Furry Friends; I don’t let my diabetes or visual impairment get me down at all! All I want is to be with people and my mom Maggie … oh, and to indulge in a pumpkin-filled Kong, or chew on one of the squeaky balls. Mom and I used to live in a home with cats, so as long as we have each other, we can go to any loving home! (Meet Jake: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/37161742)
Hi, my name is Maggie (third photo), and I am an 11-year-old Chesapeake Bay mix who came to Furry Friends when my owner passed away. I came in with my son Jake and need to find a home with him, since I serve as his “guide dog,” in a way. I am a very sweet girl who will bounce up and down when a visitor comes to my room, which is good since I’m working on shedding a few pounds. (That’s why I get pumpkin in my Kong treats, and that’s why I prefer to take the Kong on a stroll around the courtyard 🙂 ) I used to live with cats as well, so any home that has a soft spot for senior dogs would be A-OK for me! (Meet Maggie: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/37161745)
Hi, my name is Charlie (fourth photo), and I am a 3-year-old Lab mix who came to Furry Friends when my owners’ lifestyle needs changed. I am just as energetic as my age would indicate and know quite a few commands, which I especially love to do in exchange for treats — like a Kong filled with peanut butter! I am looking for an active home that can keep up with me, has a tall fence to make sure I stay safe, and has no other animals and no small children (just because I’m such a bouncy guy). (Meet Charlie: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/35985507)
