It Takes A Village: Grant Report

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

We have implemented some programs to help with playgroups for the dogs living at the ITV Rescue Center. We average about 50 dogs who live at our rescue center. About 20 of them have lived there three months or longer. We started a playgroup program, which has significantly helped with our adoptions. We have learned that dogs who may not appear to be good with other dogs actually are fine with other dogs, which improves adoption chances. We also started a "Treat for Calm" program. We put a treat system and signs on each kennel and asked visitors to only give the dogs treats when all four paws are on the ground and the dog is calm. We also got several enrichment toys to help calm the dogs. We also purchased some training collars to help teach the dogs not to pull so hard on walks. Finally, we made improvements to the dogs' play yard.

There has been a considerable difference in how the dogs act. Many dogs who used to charge at the front of the kennels are now much calmer, thereby helping them get adopted.

How many pets did this grant help?

50 currently, and continuing

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

Titus is a specific pet who was helped with the enrichment grant. He was living at the ITV Rescue Center and after we implemented the enrichment programs, and they helped him considerably with leash walking and calmness in his kennel. We also learned that he was great with other dogs through our playgroup program, which helped him get adopted. He was recently adopted because of his improved behavior and now has a forever home.