Paris Animal Welfare Society: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

We purchased much-needed enrichment toys for our dogs.

Despite the pandemic taking a toll on shelters across the country, we were incredibly thankful to receive a grant to provide toys for our dogs. With transports being put on hold for months on end, our dogs ended up having longer lengths of stay. Instead of the dogs creating unwanted kennel behaviors due to being in the shelter environment longer than anticipated, the Orvis Care Grant allowed us to keep their minds busy and tails wagging! We have continued to have a decrease in unwanted behavior and have found new, innovative ways to add to our dog enrichment program.

How many pets did this grant help?

783

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

Arlo arrived at the Nicholas County Animal Shelter after being found as a stray. Although Arlo was covered in fleas, emaciated, and anemic, his tail never stopped wagging. After bloodwork and additional medical care, he was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma and a heart condition. Due to his health conditions, he became a “fospice” dog with a bucket list — including his own birthday party!

Arlo got to spend his last few months eating cheeseburgers, peeing on furniture, snuggling up with his foster mom, and enjoying playing with his own toys!

He absolutely loved his Nylabones and puzzle toys that helped keep his senior mind busy. The most rewarding thing for any foster, staff member, or volunteer is seeing a dog who most likely did not have an opportunity to play with toys before come out of his shell and enjoy life — especially a senior pup!