Arizona Humane Society: Dog Field Trip/Short-Term Fostering Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) used the $500 grant to purchase 22 leashes, 11 collars, and 11 harnesses of various sizes to be used by homeless canines in need of additional behavior training through AHS’ Canine Sleepover Program. This donation from the Petfinder Foundation allowed AHS to underwrite the cost of program supplies needed to ensure sleepover hosts are prepared to care for their temporary canine residents.
With the support provided from the Petfinder Foundation, AHS was able to purchase $500 worth of canine leashes, collars, and harnesses used for homeless dogs who participate in AHS’ new Canine Sleepover Program. Although COVID-19 placed a temporary pause on this program in March due to an increase in adoptions and a decrease in intake, AHS’ Behavior Team has a goal of supporting at least one canine per month. Once AHS’ shelter flow returns to pre-COVID-19 levels, the Canine Sleepover Program’s goal will return to the goal of eight canine participants per month. Thank you for supporting AHS’ Canine Sleepover Program and providing dogs in need of extra support with the opportunity to live happy and healthy lives!
How many pets did this grant help?
12
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Attached is a picture of Miracle, a 3-year-old female Labrador retriever mix who was rescued by the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) in late-August. Miracle was neglected by her previous owners, much like many of the canines AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians rescue from the field.
Sadly, the neglect Miracle endured had caused her to be fearful of humans and she lacked basic skills, such as walking on a leash. To prepare her to find her forever family, Miracle spent extra time with AHS’ Behavior Team to practice basic skills, introductions, and appropriate play behaviors.
Prior to COVID-19, Miracle would have been a prime candidate for the Canine Sleepover Program. Unfortunately, the pandemic had placed a temporary hold on this program, but AHS’ Behavior Team was able to used the supplies funded by the Petfinder Foundation to help Miracle learn to walk on a leash with a harness and safely build trust with people.
After only a short time with the Behavior Team, Miracle has become a new dog! Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation, Miracle was able to discover her confidence and AHS was able to teach her the basic skills adopters often look for. Miracle is officially ready to find her forever home thanks to the Petfinder Foundation and AHS’ Behavior Team!
