Animal Mission/Columbia Animal Services: Dog Field Trip/Short-Term Fostering Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
With the generous funds provided by the Petfinder Foundation, we were able to purchase collars, harnesses, "Adopt Me" bandanas, and business cards to hand out to potential adopters while dogs were on their field trips. This project was brand new to the shelter, and we had never attempted a program of this type before, so being able to purchase all of the equipment we needed to start it off right was a huge help! Thank you!
How many pets did this grant help?
Now that the program has launched, we're seeing approximately 25-35 field trips happening weekly. Over the course of a year, that would mean 1,300+ dogs benefitting from this new program!
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Rain is a very special pup who needed a Doggie Day Out more than anyone. She’s been in the shelter since January and is still available today (April 28).
This is actually her second time here, as she was returned by her first adopter through no fault of her own (her owner was experiencing financial hardships and had to move into a new living situation).
She doesn’t like getting into the car, but rides fine in it and gets out like a champ. Tip: She will hop in on her own if you put a treat on the seat. On her field trip, she played in the volunteer’s yard, then took a nap in the house, and out in the sun when the rain finally stopped (second photo).
They took a walk in the neighborhood (she’s great on a leash and really loves walking). Then off to a local dog-friendly restaurant, where she got a burger (first photo) and a few fries, and lots of attention. Then to a local brewery, where one of the waitresses fell in love with her. She’s a super good girl, and we hope she finds her forever home soon.
