Tama County Humane Society: Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The Petfinder Foundation grant enabled us to remove the old, damaged concrete slab in our 10x10-ft. play yard and replace it with a new, larger slab in the front of our building. This has allowed us to expand our play yard to 43x11 ft., making it much more spacious.
This play yard is specifically used for newly surrendered or stray dogs in the animal holding area of our shelter. Many of these dogs are stressed when first arriving at the shelter. The play yard has allowed these dogs to exercise outside, enriching their environment. This has played a key role in helping them adapt to shelter life.
How many pets did this grant help?
120
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
In May, six pit bulls were removed from a trailer after police were called to the property. The dogs were kept in small wire kennels and were not allowed outside. The kennels were covered in urine and feces, and many of the dogs had skin infections from lying in filth.
The dogs were taken to our shelter to be cared for. They spent their first seven days in the animal-holding area of the shelter before being available for adoption.
The newly renovated play yard allowed them to finally run and play outdoors. They were noticeably less stressed with each passing day.
Since then, three of these dogs have been adopted, and three remain at the shelter. You can meet them here:
