Humane Society of Western Montana: KONG Toys Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
We received the KONG product grant valued at $139.50 on Jan. 7, 2016. The Humane Society of Western Montana is committed to "Saving Every Animal Every Time." In support of this mission, we don’t set a time limit on a pet’s stay with us, and ensure shelter pets have everything they need while they’re in our care. For many pets that’s a special treat or a nice distraction, and KONGs are perfect!
Lora O’Connor, former Executive Director of the Humane Society of Western Montana, was thrilled to hear we were selected as a recipient. “Many years ago, we received a box of KONGs as a donation and began enriching shelter dogs’ kennel time with peanut butter and biscuits. Today, we believe in providing physical, emotional and medical care for the pets in our care so much that it is part of our mission statement. We use KONGs daily to keep our shelter dogs busy and happy while they await adoption."
How many pets did this grant help?
200-400: Dogs in our care receive one KONG a day almost every day.
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Woodstock, a shepherd-mix puppy, came to the Humane Society of Western Montana at the end of 2015 with his mom and seven puppy siblings. Since the pups were still too young to be in a shelter environment, they lived with one of our dedicated foster families until they were old enough to be adopted. The puppies came back to the shelter in January 2016. At eight weeks old, their personalities were showing through. While each pup was unique, it was clear they were a close litter and loved being around each other.
One by one, families came and adopted the pups. And, one by one, they overlooked Woodstock, the runt of the litter, until Woodstock was the only pup left. We tried promoting him on social media and highlighting him on our website, but he still stuck around. And it became apparent that he missed his puppy siblings. His energy level changed, he was less excited, not as playful, and somewhat uninterested in his food.
Concerned about his behaviors, we tried a small puppy KONG filled with some tasty treats — and it worked! It gave Woodstock something to do while he waited for his perfect family. And a few days later, that perfect family showed up!
We recognize the value of KONGs for our shelter pets. To us, they are more than toys — they are a great tool. Whether a pet needs some mental stimulation when it’s too cold to go outside, or needs to pass the time while they wait for a family like Woodstock, or just wants a fun treat, KONGs are a daily tool for the Humane Society of Western Montana.
