Ozark Haven Rescue: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

This grant was used to further our adoption efforts in preparing these animals for their forever homes. This grant provided these loving animals:
8 neuters
2 spays
17 sets of standard inoculations
5 heartworm tests
10 rabies vaccines
... guaranteeing bright new futures for over a dozen Ozarks dogs that would have had no future without the generosity of your dedicated foundation.

We are remotely located in the Ozark region; we have no animal-friendly population for an adopter pool. Therefore, we feel that in order to be competitive in the Missouri adoption arena, we must be exemplary in our practices. Adequate funding is essential for these dogs to be prepared for adoption. The parasite control alone is a major issue.

How many pets did this grant help?

13

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

Max was originally an abandoned puppy on a country highway. For many puppies who are abandoned in the Ozark area, there is no salvation. The few survivors often face an ill fate — as was the case with Max. He was picked up by a couple who took him home, tied him on a chain much too large for him, as he was just a tiny baby, freshly away from his mother. Sadly, Max lost his puppyhood to that chain; the only change was that as he grew larger, the chain seem to become less heavy around his tender neck. After months and months of neglect at the end of that chain, a dedicated, proactive animal lover took a stand and was victorious in liberating this boy. Now he will never be on a chain again. Today Max is enjoying the freedom to run and play while he is recuperating as we wrap up the details of his adoption.

George was one of the lucky ones. He found a loving home with a mother who took care of him for years, until the day she was stricken. Her health-care provider felt it was in every one’s best interest to remove George from her life. Unable to find any willing takers, and faced with having to relinquish the dog to the city, the kindhearted health-care provider took the initiative and reached out to Ozark Haven and we responded. George is currently enjoying the benefits of a skilled foster home while waiting for a life-altering event to occur. And until that time, we are ready, willing and able to provide for all of his needs.