Crate Escape Rescue, Inc.: KONG Toys Grant Report

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

We supplied all foster families that currently have dogs in their care with one of the donated Kongs.

The Kongs are being used to help our pups in various ways. For some pups, we use the Kong as positive reinforcement in a new environment. It helps them cope with their new surroundings with less stress and fuss. Other foster parents use it as a training tool. It helps acclimate new fosters to crate-training and is a great reward in “reward-based” training exercises. Lastly, many dogs come to us with high anxiety or just excess amounts of energy. With these pups, the Kong is used strictly for mental stimulation.

How many pets did this grant help?

25

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

Betty Bee came into our rescue off of a euthanasia list. She was a high-strung, temperamental little terrier who was being labeled unadoptable due to her behavior. Betty was transferred into a foster home shortly after joining our rescue. It was evident that much of her behavioral issues stemmed from lack of stimulation, exercise, and social skills. Despite great efforts to fulfill Betty’s exercise needs, she simply was not getting everything she needed from her daily walks and hikes. From there, we started working on her mental stamina and introduced her to a Kong. Not only did she love the extra treats, Betty thoroughly loved the puzzle game the Kong provided. Once put on a daily routine with physical and mental stimulation provided by her Kong, Betty Bee flourished into quite an amazing girl. Betty was recently adopted and is now living the life she has always dreamed of.