Wish Bone Canine Rescue: Sponsor a Pet Grant Report

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

Behavioral training

Vinny had some behavioral issues that were preventing him from being adopted. The Sponsor a Pet donations we received for him allowed us to hire a trainer to work with Vinny. The trainer was able to successfully modify Vinny's bad behaviors, making him the best companion he could become. He was then able to be adopted into a loving, experienced family who reports he is doing just great and, following the advice of the trainer, Vinny understands he is not the alpha dog in their family!

How many pets did this grant help?

1

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

Vinny is a 5-year-old male black and white Shih Tzu. He weighed 18 lbs. when rescued from an animal control facility where he was at risk of euthanasia due to bad behaviors. We determined he needed to go into a home experienced with dogs who have “little dog syndrome” and with no children. Even though Vinny walked well on leash, loved car rides, was potty trained and adored playing with other dogs and squeaky toys, he scared off several prospective adopters with his shows of dominance and inappropriate greetings. Once our rescue received the Sponsor a Pet donations specified as being for Vinny, we were able to hire a trainer to work with him. He was a bright boy, learned quickly what was acceptable behavior and what wasn’t and was soon able to be adopted into his forever home. He had another dog to play with and two experienced dog owners to help him stay on the right track. Vinny’s new owners report he is much loved and well-behaved.