Our Lil' Bit of Heaven Animal Rescue & Sanctuary: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

The monies from the Orvis grant were used to purchase a sound system with multiple speakers for the main campus kennel, soothing CDs for the dogs, and problem-solving toys for the dogs.

Soothing music now flows through the 12 audio speakers that line the perimeter of the main kennel and helps the dogs calm down. The West Paw problem-solving toys help to keep the dogs occupied and entertained. The toys are dishwasher-safe, challenging for the dogs, and are very durable.

How many pets did this grant help?

211

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

Larry (first photo) is a senior dog who has shown some signs of depression. Jerky treats were wedged into the bottom of the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl treat-dispensing toy and given to Larry (second photo). Right away, Larry perked up, manipulated the toy with his paws, opened it up and spent an hour rescuing the treats that were wedged in the bottom. That was a long period of time that Larry was engaged in play and he was gratified when he retrieved all of the jerky. Larry has not been adopted as of this time, but he is a candidate for our Forever Foster Care program and we have been looking for a foster home for him. You can meet Larry here.