Animal Allies Humane Society: Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The installation of our sunshade structure enabled our dogs and volunteers/staff members to spend more time outside, particularly on sunny days. Prior to this sunshade, our play yard lacked any form of shading, creating health and safety risks for our dogs and handlers. For example, when the weather is higher than 70 degrees, the gravel can become too hot for our dogs' paws, limiting their ability to run around and spend time outdoors. Now, our dogs can run around and take a break in the shade and can spend more time outdoors, increasing their enrichment time. Lastly, this sunshade has been beneficial for our volunteers, of whom 30% are seniors aged 61-80, who now have a shaded area to provide dog enrichment, keeping them safe from the sun and intense heat during the summer.
How many pets did this grant help?
394
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
The weather in Northwestern Minnesota, where Animal Allies is located, is often unpredictable, and this summer has been no different. The sunshade has been greatly appreciated by both our dogs and our volunteers and staff members. It provides great shade during our warm, sunny days and has sheltered us during the many rainy days we’ve had since it has been installed. In the photo, Ralphie is seen loving the shade and cooler gravel and pool water to play in and our staff member Hannah is loving a break from the hot sun!
