Canine Humane Network: Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The grant helped us purchase many items for enrichment that we would have never been able to buy due to lack of funds.
We recently started a program, "Dogs Day Out," to get volunteers to come and take some of the shelter dogs out for a day, whether to the park, for a hike in the woods, or just in our play yard, which gives them a break from the shelter. But when the dogs are in their kennels alone, these enrichment items help keep their metal stimulation going to hopefully prevent them from going kennel crazy.
Some of the things that were purchased, including licky mats/plates, Kongs, and Adaptil Calm, are great enrichment to keep the dogs busy and not so focused on being confined to the kennel. The dig blankets and nose-work puzzles are perfect for when the dogs are out in the yard with supervised play time. New toys/balls for the ones who love those types of play are great. We love seeing the dogs out in the play yard with staff or volunteers having the time of their lives throwing around a ball or toy.
We also put bags together for dogs in foster homes who were having some behavior problems and needed more stimulation than just walks and running around in the yard.
How many pets did this grant help?
We received the grant funds in the beginning of 2024 and started using the funds right away. We estimate this grant will help 60 to 80 dogs throughout this year. Some of the items can be used over and over again.
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
One of the dogs that this grant helped is named Bolt. Bolt is a husky mix who was an owner-surrender because, being true to his breed, Bolt was constantly getting out and his owner just did not want to put the time in to help him “stay.”
Bolt has been with CHN since March 2024. He is 4 years old and just an all-around sweet, happy guy who loves everybody. True to his breed, Bolt loves to be outside and constantly playing or doing something, so these enrichment items have been a godsend for him.
Bolt has not yet been adopted, but we are hopeful that he can find his forever family really soon. Bolt will need an owner who is experienced with husky traits and characteristics. In the meantime, these enrichment items can help keep him occupied and give him the extra stimulation he truly needs.
