Rancho Coastal Humane Society: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
We purchased products that help stimulate and enrich our shelter dogs during their stay. Items purchased included:
Dog Lick Mat Treat-Dispensing Mat
Peanut Lick Mat Slow-Feeders Distraction Device with Suction Cup
Hyper Pet LickiMat Playdate Blue Slow-Feeder Mat for Dogs
Aquapaw Treat-Dispensing Mat for Dogs
Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 6-Cup Jumbo Muffin Pan
KONG Tiltz, Small
KONG Treat Dispenser Hopz Ball Dog Toy, Large
KONG Spin It Treat Dog Toys
KONG Gyro Dog Toy, Small
KONG Treat Dispenser Flipz Dog Toy, Large
Zuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Dog Treats
Zuke's Mini Naturals Savory Salmon Recipe Dog Treats
Zuke's Mini Naturals Roasted Chicken Recipe Dog Treats
Animal Care and Adoption Director Ashley Llapitan says, "These enrichment items improve and enhance our animals' mental states, providing mental stimulation to tire them out and keep them occupied. It encourages them to learn to problem-solve and also it helps them build their confidence."
How many pets did this grant help?
On Sept. 15, 2020, we had 68 dogs in our care. All have the potential to benefit from these new products.
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Rutabaga, an adorable shepherd/husky mix (first three photos), has been at Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) since Dec. 23, 2020. At 6 months old, she is still very much a puppy. Rutabaga was brought to RCHS from an overcrowded shelter as part of our transport program. During her time at RCHS, we’re working hard to give Rutabaga plenty of opportunity for training and enrichment. Rutabaga is a little shy and learning her manners.
Our kennel staff regularly uses Lickimats inside Rutabaga’s kennel. These enrichment mats were purchased with the funds from the 2020 Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant. As you can see by the photos, Rutabaga loves her Lickimat. It helps alleviate boredom, promotes calm behavior and gives her a job as she licks and digs for every morsel of embedded treat.
Rutabaga is currently featured on Petfinder.com. We’re hoping she’ll capture someone’s heart who is ready to take on the energy and training needs of a puppy. Meet Rutabaga here.
Pancake (photos 4-8), a 92-lb. mastiff mix, came to the shelter in March. He was adopted and returned once, as the adopters felt Pancake was more dog than they could handle once they got him home. Pancake can and will easily jump a 6-foot fence. He is friendly and playful, but needs to be mentally and physically stimulated.
In the final photo, you can see our staff member Tracy walking Pancake back from the play yards to his kennel. She has a firm grip, but Pancake is clearly distracted and pulling due to the barking and reactions from his kennelmates. However, as soon as Pancake walks into his kennel and notices the special Dog Lick Mat loaded with peanut butter, he quickly calms and focuses his attention on the special treat.
Thank you, Petfinder Foundation, for supporting Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
