Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

Dog enrichment toys to reduce boredom and give the dogs at the shelter mental and physical stimulation while they wait to be adopted.

Dogs enjoy having toys, and especially busy toys, to play with. The Boomer Balls work well for dogs who tend to destroy normal balls. The Tug-a-Jug toys have been really helpful -- especially since we live in such a cold climate, and they give the dogs an indoor activity.

How many pets did this grant help?

400

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

Bruno (pictured) is a dog who is with us now. He is VERY mistrusting of people. We had a great breakthrough with him with the help of the Tug-a-Jug slow-feeder busy toy. He started to know that good things happen with us! From his Petfinder profile: “Bruno is one handsome gentleman! His beautiful gold coat, big bright eyes and unique curly tail are absolutely stunning. But he’s not all looks; he also has the brains too! Bruno is very smart and quick to learn. He falls head-over-heels in love with the people he spends time with and is ready to learn and please them. Bruno falls so in love that sometimes he can be protective of the people he cares about, but with appropriate training is a wonderful companion dog. Bruno was good with other dogs in the past, but would likely prefer a home where he can be the only dog. He loves to go for walks but is just as great at being a couch potato. Bruno is a very big boy and would do best in a home that has big-dog experience.” Meet Bruno here.

UPDATE: Bruno was adopted in March!