Marshfield Area Pet Shelter: KONG Toys Grant Report

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

The KONGs we received were used for the dogs in our care, to help enrich their lives during their stay at our shelter.

We stuffed the KONGs with treats, then put them in the freezer. Once they were frozen, each dog received a KONG and trying to get the treats out helped them stay mentally stimulated. It also provided them with a toy that they could chew on but not destroy and consequently have taken away.

How many pets did this grant help?

Five dogs so far and many more to come!

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

We had a puppy who came in very scared and confused. She didn’t know where she was or why she was with us and not at home. I gave her the small puppy KONG filled with peanut butter and she was so happy! She was distracted with her KONG long enough for her family to contact the shelter and come pick her up! Because of her treat toy, she did not spend hours in her kennel scared and worried but instead content until she was able to go home.

I give these KONGs to every new dog to try and help them cope with the change of coming into the shelter and have provided pictures of some of the dogs who have benefited from it.