Monmouth County SPCA: Grant Report

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

We used the money to purchase enrichment items for our dogs such as Kongs, puzzle toys, and other tough and sturdy toys. Additionally, the money went towards Natural Balance-type treats we use to stuff these toys and puzzles as well as for training dogs. We only use positive-reinforcement training methods and these treats have shown to work well with getting our dogs to respond.

Provided the dogs with something to do while they were in their digs waiting to meet adopters. These dogs have, with daily enrichment, shown to be less likely to be reactive to visitors, as they are occupied with their stuffed Kongs instead of jumping at the glass when people walk the adoption floor.

How many pets did this grant help?

More than 80. We have approximately 80 dogs in our care, with some being adopted and others coming in. These items can continue to be used, so the numbers are hard to determine and will continue to grow.

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

Adonis (first photo) was a very high-energy dog who was often bored and never showed well with adopters. With the purchase of the sturdy toys, he was able to work out some of his energy and not be so over-the-top with energy when meeting adopters. He has now been adopted.

Rucca (second photo) was a tough dog, as she was fearful and hard to get to come out of her shell. With daily time to work on puzzle toys she started to build bonds with the staff working with her and became less destructive. Very happy to report she was recently adopted and her new family has also decided to purchase puzzle toys and Kongs to continue her enrichment at home.

Paige (third photo) always looked so sad and bored in her dig. Daily enrichment of stuffed Kongs helps keep her busy and she has seemed less stressed. She looks forward to the distribution of enrichment items, which is now a daily event!