Ozark Haven Rescue: P.L.A.Y. Pet Beds Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

The P.L.A.Y. beds were happily received by our fosters, and the dogs love them! Having these soft beds was, for some of our foster dogs, most likely their first time to experience a warm and safe place.

Many of the animals that come into our organization have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment. For some, living in a foster home with, as they say, all the comforts of home is a brand new experience. Having a warm and comfortable place to call their own, or to share with a new buddy if they like, can make the transition from the often cruel environments they have experienced to getting ready for their new, permanent home a much easier and enjoyable one.

How many pets did this grant help?

20

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Falcore, a beautiful blue pit bull terrier (first and second photo), was a breeder puppy. Rescued from that situation, he landed with us at a very young age. His foster mom recognized what potential this boy had and adopted him as her own. Now trained and certified as a therapy dog, he helps his foster mom and has become an ambassador for his breed. Always at her side, he has displayed such intelligence and kindness toward all who meet him that he is a favorite at local businesses. Falcore also helps his foster mom as she welcomes new foster brothers and sisters into her home. He helps them to feel welcome and loved, sharing his bed and anything else with them. A truly remarkable boy.

Jersey (third photo) lived with an elderly man who had no family close by. Sadly, her person became ill and passed away, and when relatives were called, they found little Jersey in the house. Though the man loved her, he had apparently not been able to properly care for her. She was hungry and matted and also had a mammary tumor. After good grooming and surgery to spay her and to remove the tumor, as well as a nice, comfortable bed to recover on, and she is now residing in her new permanent home.