Cache Humane Society: Play Yard Renovation Grant Report

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

We have greatly expanded our playgroup program and renovated our play yard to provide better socialization, training, and exercise opportunities for our shelter dogs. We improved a quarter-acre section of our property with taller fencing and landscaping, including several new trees for shade. We also added a double-gate entry for better safety along our busy parking lot. We are in the process of adding a second play area to allow for multiple playgroups. We have purchased Fibar, a wood-fiber and sand-based material that is treated to prevent splinters and reduce decay. We will also be adding sun sails to provide additional shade.

Playgroups have helped us build better adoption profiles, reduce shelter stress, and improve adoption outcomes. Our dogs are happier and healthier, and the temperament profiles we are able to write based on behavior in playgroups seem to be more accurate than our old worksheet-based approach. We have also had significant success working with dogs surrendered for reactivity issues. By incorporating techniques learned at Dogs Playing for Life with newly improved facilities, we are able to help challenging dogs become confident, friendly, and adoptable.

How many pets did this grant help?

800

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

Pretzel and Colby came in from a challenging, multi-dog situation. They were nervous and very under-socialized with both people and other pets. They blossomed in playgroups and surprised our team with their unexpected love of water! Both dogs found a wonderful home with a family that promises to always keep the kiddie pool full.