Tupelo Lee Humane Society: KONG Toys Grant Report

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

We used this product to increase mental-health conditions for our large-breed dogs who require daily enrichment. We have integrated the use of KONGs into our enrichment program.

The use of KONGs has greatly increased the amount of play and mental stimulation that our dogs get while awaiting loving homes. Our enrichment program has helped us decrease length of stay and increase the adoptions by increasing positive behaviors in our canines.

How many pets did this grant help?

The Kong grant of supplies has helped 989 puppies and dogs as of April 30, 2021!

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

Bear is a sweetheart who came to us on Feb. 25, 2021 (first photo). Bear was petrified and considered “semi-feral”; he also lacked socialization skills with other dogs. He was not responsive on a leash and would “freeze” with human contact.

We found Bear to be heartworm-negative and covered in ticks and fleas despite frigid temperatures just a week before his intake. He had suffered a significant injury to his right hind leg, which required amputation. But losing a limb didn’t keep this short and long-bodied soul down for long.

With frequent daily care, within three weeks of staying with us Bear became friends with two of our vet techs and began to look forward to play time every day. Our techs used his “ball” drive with stuffed KONGs to encourage exercise to strengthen his legs. We are happy to say that Bear found his happily ever after and is in a wonderful home with his new mom thanks to the care and activity he received.