Capitol Area Rescue Effort, Inc.: KONG Toys Grant Report

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

Kong toys are one of our rescue's "go-to" tools for dogs in our care. Many rescue animals come into the kennel fearful and anxiety-ridden from being in a shelter, having lost their homes and having many lifestyle changes along the road to their forever homes. Giving these dogs tasks provides meaning to their time with us, as well as provides a diversion from the loudness and frequent changes in neighboring dogs. Kong toys are highly recommended by our trainer for keeping our dogs busy.

We prefer to freeze peanut butter or cream cheese in our Kongs, when appropriate, to give additional longevity to the time our dogs spend working on their task of cleaning the Kong! As a quality choice for a toy for a dog, the rescue benefited financially from the gift. We are a small rescue and every dollar counts, so the ability to purchase a substantial number of toys was out of our reach. Bored or anxious dogs have their attention well diverted by Kong toys and are given hours of playtime each day!

How many pets did this grant help?

20+. With proper sanitation, these toys will continue to enrich the lives of the dogs that pass through our rescue!

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

Tyler is a male chihuahua who has been in rescue for over a year waiting for a forever home. His breed is known for its anxiety in general, and Tyler is no different. As a small dog, he cannot be given free range to run in our kennel for fear that he could be accidentally hurt by larger dogs. He spends several hours a day in his crate and boredom easily sets in. Inferior-quality toys are quickly destroyed by Tyler and other dogs like him. Kong toys provide a great diversion and way to stay focused during his crated time. And we have great news to share: After 17 months, Tyler will soon be leaving our Virginia rescue for his new home in Delaware!