Cache Humane Society: Play Group Training Grant Report

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

Petfinder Foundation support was used to send our dog kennel manager, Maygan Jiminez, to Longmont, Colorado, for a mentorship with the Dogs Playing for Life program. We are now hosting shelter-wide dog playgroups four mornings per week with a team of trained staff and volunteers.

We've observed a significant reduction in shelter stress and related health problems. Our dogs are happier and more easily approachable by adopters. We've also begun using observational forms during playgroups to create better personality profiles for our shelter dogs. Our new profiles help us find the perfect homes.

How many pets did this grant help?

800

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

Zero (first photo) came in extremely under-socialized and displayed nervous reactivity with other dogs and staff. We knew he had potential, but we weren’t sure how to bring it out safely and positively. We slowly introduced him to playgroups and he is now officially recognized as a playgroup rock star, an honor reserved for dogs who help newcomers and nervous dogs feel comfortable and welcome and playgroups. We are confident that his status as an exceptional dog-buddy will help him find the perfect home. Meet him: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/39731875