Chemung County SPCA: KONG Toys Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
We received Goodie Bones and Classic Kongs in a variety of sizes to be used for the dogs in our care.
We have long been advocates of work-to-eat toys such as Kongs. Maintaining the mental and emotional health of the animals in our care while they await their new homes is top priority. We have always had a steady supply of Kongs on hand to help with this. However, over the years, our animals’ chewing habits have taken their toll on our supply. The Kong Toy Grant from the Petfinder Foundation has helped to replace a large portion of our Kong supply, which has enabled us to keep our enrichment program on track.
How many pets did this grant help?
59 (from May 1 to July 13, 2018)
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
One of the dogs that the Kong Toy Grant has helped the most is a 1-year-old pointer mix named Festus. This handsome boy came to us six long weeks ago from an overcrowded shelter in an economically-challenged part of Mississippi via our southern transport program. Upon arrival, Festus struggled quite a bit to adapt to shelter life. He exhibited many stress-related behaviors such as barrier frustration, minor stereotypies, and stress-related diarrhea. We developed an enrichment plan for him that revolved around him getting daily office time, plenty of work on the agility equipment, and daily dog playgroups. This seemed to help, but there was something missing. We added a steady diet of meals consumed strictly from classic Kongs to his enrichment plan, and the positive effect it has had on reducing his stress levels has been nothing short of miraculous. His stress-related behaviors have all but disappeared and he seems much more content. Festus still patiently waits for his forever family. However, in the meantime, with the help of Kong products, we are able to maintain the mental and emotional well-being of this very active, extremely social, brilliant boy. Meet him: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/42128427
