PAWS for Life Animal Welfare and Protection Society: Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
PAWS for Life is a volunteer-based, no-kill shelter with managed admissions. We often rescue dogs who were deemed unadoptable by other shelters or surrendered by owners who rejected the dog for its size or bad behavior or age.
On average, our dogs are 60 lbs. or more and often of mixed breeds. We help these dogs become more adoptable through socialization and training, including the use of toys and Kongs, which provide mental stimulation and interaction. Our big dogs get to have big chew toys and Kongs during their kennel time and enjoy Jolly Balls and tug toys while they spend time with volunteers and staff in the play yard.
Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation and the generous grant for big toys and chews, the dogs are happier and less stressed while they learn to be the best pets for their forever families.
How many pets did this grant help?
30
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Chop Chop is a 2-year-old American bulldog/rottweiler mix who started out in a difficult situation. Law enforcement removed him from a domestic-violence situation and placed him in the local municipal shelter. Their staff determined it would be too difficult to find an adopter because of his size and history.
When they reached out to PAWS for Life, we knew we could help him. His medical evaluation revealed extensive arthritis, which affects his knees and causes him to struggle after too much exercise. But with his pain treatments and supplements, he has improved and now loves his playtime in the yard with Jolly Balls and tug toys and happily joins his friends on short pack walks.
With his commanding presence, broad head, and a heart brimming with love, Chop Chop is looking for a dedicated, nurturing handler who can manage his strength and his pain, while he returns the love with couch cuddles and sloppy kisses.
