SPCA of Westchester: Perkins Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Bordetella vaccines and enrichment toys and products. We received $2,250 total.
We were able to purchase over 225 bordetella vaccines for our dogs, which was wonderful because we could use the money we'd normally spend on this for other needs we have at the shelter. For enrichment, we purchased a cat wheel, which gives the cats extra exercise, therefore keeping them healthier and in better shape. It also gives them something to do to enrich their time at the shelter. This will hopefully be able to help thousands of cats over the next few years! We also bought numerous toys/Kongs, dog puzzles and bones for the dogs in our care, which will keep their teeth clean and occupy some of their time when in their dog runs, therefore keeping them busy and happy!
How many pets did this grant help?
225 dogs will receive bordetella vaccines, hundreds if not thousands of cats will benefit from the cat exercise wheel, and the other dog enrichment products should hopefully be enjoyed by hundreds of dogs!
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
One of our shelter dogs, Leah (first photo), has been very stressed at the shelter and losing weight due to her stress. She’s been here for over six months and has a lot of energy. We’ve been able to provide her with durable and safe toys, Kongs and dog puzzles each day in order to lower her stress and keep her occupied. We’ve seen a huge improvement in her mental health and behavior because of this! From her Petfinder profile: “We can’t stress enough how great this girl is!! This 5-year-old American bulldog mix is a sporty kinda gal who would love to find an active person or family to call her own. She can’t get enough playtime in the yard; if you’ve got a tennis ball, she’ll be a happy girl! Leah has lived in a home before, so she’s got the whole housetraining and crate-training thing down pat. Leah has also lived with children before. If you’re looking for an all-around great dog, you might just be looking for Leah. Come meet her!” Meet Leah: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/32083848
UPDATE: Leah has been adopted!
