Humane Society of Greater Dayton: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The money given to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton was used to purchase starter packets of food, Kong toys, collars and leashes. These items created a dog-adoption packet to be sent home with dogs upon adoption from the shelter. With each packet, every dog adopted was able to have a smoother transition into their forever home. The Humane Society of Greater Dayton wanted to decrease the amount of dogs returned due to transition difficulties.
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton saw a decrease in returned adoptions due to transitional difficulties. The adopters were sent home with a starter bag of food, allowing them to slowly switch to a food product of the adopter's choice. This minimized digestion problems that sometimes arise from dietary changes. The durable Kong toy allowed the adopters and dog to further their bond by either playing with the toy together, or the dog receiving treats in the toy from the adopter. The leash and collar promoted proper care for the animal and keeping the animal healthy and active once in the house.
Overall, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton noticed a decrease in adoption returns due to transitional issues. Between February and March of 2014 the Humane Society of Greater Dayton had nine adoption returns. In the same period for 2015, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton experienced only four returns. Of those returns, two of the dogs were returned due to severe unknown allergies that resulted in hospital visits. The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is so thankful that the adoption packets have aided in transition from the shelter life to the dog's new forever home, allowing the shelter to continually save even more lives!
How many pets did this grant help?
60
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton has been able to adopt out various dogs that have been longer-staying residents recently. These dogs had either been returned once or twice before, or simply had not found the right match. One dog in particular was Jessie (first photo). Jessie was transferred from an open-intake shelter to our shelter to find her forever home. Upon her arrival, the staff and volunteers realized Jessie was a very shy and timid dog. The staff and volunteers worked every day with Jessie, socializing her and helping her come our of her shell. While she felt comfortable around the shelter staff and volunteers, she was still timid around potential adopters.
After a failed foster-to-adopt situation, Jessie had a potential adopter come in multiple times a week for numerous weeks to socialize with her. Upon adoption, everyone was still worried she would have a difficult time adjusting to her new home. With the adoption packet, the transition was much smoother. She was able to adjust slowly to her new home, with the comfort of items sent from the shelter. Her adopters were further able to strengthen the bond that has changed Jessie’s life for the better!
