Santa Fe Animal Shelter: Play Yard Renovation Grant Report

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

This grant was used for fencing improvements to our Admissions play yard, and for the construction of a reinforced shade structure to protect dogs in the play yard from overexposure to the elements.

Both aspects of this grant were helpful, both to us as an organization and to tho dogs in our care who use the play yard. The Admissions play yard is one of the several outdoor areas on campus intended to provide dogs with exercise and play, both of which are indispensable to their mental and physical health. Having a more secure fence line allows for safer play among the dogs and reduces their chances of escaping into the surrounding desert. The shade structure provides protection to the dogs in the event of extreme weather such as dust storms, hail storms, and thunderstorms, which we experience regularly in the high desert. In the summer, it provides them with shade and lowers their risk of sunstroke or heat fatigue.

How many pets did this grant help?

942

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

A total of 942 dogs have been helped by the Admissions play yard renovations so far, but these improvements are particularly beneficial to our more behaviorally sensitive residents. One such dog is Cassini (first photo), who was picked up as a stray by Animal Control and admitted to the shelter in September. Initially, Cassini was shy and fearful of both people and other dogs. Over the course of her time here, she has grown to be more social, friendly, and active. This growth is due in large part to her positive experiences in the Admissions play yard, where she felt safe enough in her environment to engage with other dogs and people in a playful and healthy way. We are so proud of Cassini and can’t wait for her to find her forever home. Her Petfinder profile can be found here: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/39685607