Tails Humane Society: Dog Field Trip/Short-Term Fostering Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Increased Visibility and Adoptability for Dogs: The grant funds were used to purchase "Adopt Me" collars, leashes, and vests. These items make the dogs easily identifiable as adoptable animals while they are out in the community on their "mini-adventures" or overnight stays. This increased visibility exposes them to a wider audience than just those visiting the shelter, directly increasing their chances of being noticed and adopted. Our front-desk employees have also commented that the vests fit nearly every size dog we have.
Enhanced Volunteer Experience: The grant-funded items, particularly the treat pouches, make the volunteer experience more effective and enjoyable. Volunteers are equipped to positively reinforce the dogs, which makes their outings more productive. We have bags with a vest, leash, collar, treat pouch, and waste-bag holders, and they are a big hit with volunteers who come to take a dog out on a visit. Employees make sure the collars and vests are properly fitted to each dog, but the repeat Dog’s Day Out volunteers know where to go for their bags to get the process started. The kids in particular are usually so excited to “borrow” a dog for the day!
Sustained Program Operations: The requested items (collars, leashes, vests, waste bag holders, and treat pouches) are anticipated to last at least two years. This ensures the continuous smooth operation of the "Dog's Day Out" program without the immediate need for replacement costs, allowing the shelter to consistently provide these beneficial outings to the dogs. With summertime schedules, we have seen two to three dogs go out each day, and while we’re hopeful to have a continued successful program, we do anticipate those numbers to decrease a bit in the fall and winter.
Positive Community Image and Engagement: By equipping the dogs and volunteers for successful outings, the grant indirectly helps Tails Humane Society enhance its positive community image and reputation. Seeing happy dogs out in public with volunteers encourages more community members to participate in the program, further extending the reach and impact of the shelter's mission.
How many pets did this grant help?
Over 500
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Here is the report from a Dog’s Day Out volunteer who recently took Odessa out for the day (first three photos)! Odessa is currently available for adoption.
Meet Odessa, one of the sweetest pups from Tails Humane Society, who got to enjoy a well-deserved break from the shelter today — and what a day she had!
We started with a lovely walk and some water to cool off, followed by a smooth and happy car ride. Then it was time to explore PetSmart, where Odessa picked out her own yummy bone and enjoyed it back in the car like the good girl she is.
Next up: Buffalo Wild Wings! Odessa got her own special meal — shredded chicken just for her — and polished it off with some tasty doggy ice cream for dessert.
After lunch, we relaxed in the car with the AC on full blast, and Odessa felt so comfy and content that she took a peaceful nap right alongside us.
We finished the day with a few more stops at pet-friendly stores, where Odessa got a cooling mat for her crate (hello, comfort queen). She soaked up every moment of love, attention, and adventure.
Odessa is back at Tails Humane Society now, still waiting for her forever home — but we know the right person is out there. Odessa is gentle, sweet, easygoing, and full of love.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion, Odessa is ready to be your best friend. Come meet her — you won’t regret it.
