The Artemis Project: KONG Toys Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The KONG grant made a meaningful difference for our organization and the pets in our care. Thanks to this generous support, we were able to provide KONG toys to 12 of our foster families, benefiting about 24 foster dogs.
Many of the dogs entering foster care were adjusting to a new environment after experiencing stress, uncertainty, or time in a shelter. The KONG toys helped make that transition easier by giving the dogs a safe and positive way to stay busy and engaged. These enrichment toys could be filled with treats or food, encouraging natural behaviors like chewing and problem-solving while also helping reduce anxiety.
For foster families, the toys were a helpful tool for managing dogs’ energy and keeping them mentally stimulated. This made it easier for fosters to support the dogs as they settled into home life and learned positive habits.
Most importantly, the enrichment improved the dogs’ overall well-being while they waited for their forever homes. By helping them stay calmer, happier, and more engaged, the KONG grant supported their physical and emotional health and helped them succeed in foster care.
We are very grateful for this support, which benefited both our foster families and the dogs they cared for.
How many pets did this grant help?
50
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Gloria (first and second photos) is a Great Pyrenees/golden retriever mix found on the streets. She entered the rescue as a stray and was placed in a local foster home. Her foster family was so appreciative of the Kong toy to help her with the transition and as an outlet for some of her puppy energy.
She was selected for transfer to a partner rescue and is living her best life with her adoptive family now. She gives two paws up for the Kong gift!
Pictures are provided of Gloria with her Kong toy and in foster care. Additional pictures of foster dogs with their Kong toys are also provided.
