Humane Society of the Ohio Valley: Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
This grant helped our dogs so much! We purchased three tons of compactable limestone to repair many holes in our play yards. A muddy spring, dogs digging, and a hot, dry summer had created several places that needed repair. Local college students came for a volunteer day and helped shovel and carry limestone to each hole to fill it. Our director and manager set up the new fenced-in pen we ordered to add a new area for a small play yard for our gentle and dainty group of playmates. Our rough and rowdy dogs are also happy they can resume the playgroups.
We committed to the No-Kill movement in 2013 and have worked hard to keep our commitment. We realized a few years ago that keeping animals alive also meant a longer stay and a need for us to entertain their minds and keep them physically and mentally active while they are in our care waiting for their homes, sometimes for months.
We had wanted to repair the yards for a long time, but had not had the funds. The Petfinder Foundation approving our grant, and agreeing to allow us to post a thank you and asking for matching funds on social media, doubled our play yard budget. We purchased the kennel pen and limestone and will also buy some sun shades and trash cans with pooper scoopers.
How many pets did this grant help?
200+
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
One young dog named Timber (photos 4-6) came in as part of a bonded pair. She would have been adopted by now if not for being part of a duo. She particularly enjoys playtime, seeing her friends, and romping with other dogs.
She still gets stressed in her kennel, where she and the other dogs live most of 24 hours a day. A short playgroup in the play yard helps socialize her and the others, as well as keep them mentally and physically healthy.
We are so grateful for the assistance from the Petfinder Foundation and the donations made because you granted us the funds.
Timber is still waiting for her forever home. Meet Timber here.
