Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
To purchase agility equipment, including: Rubber Surface Dog Agility A-Frame, 9' Ramps 42" Wide. 7' Ramps 36" Wide, Dog Agility Equipment Mini A-Frame / A Frame / AFrame, Dog Agility Hurdle Cone Set, 8 agility cones, 4 agility rods, The KLIMB Dog Training, Platform and Agility System and Octagon Hoop Jump.
Play time and agility training are led by our in-house, certified dog trainer in conjunction with the dog kennel managers. All dogs receive on-site training with our staff, and many receive off-site training as well. There is a need for all of our dogs to have regular exercise and stimulation beyond just walks and free time in one of our three fenced-in play areas. With our newly renovated, larger play yard, complete with AstroTurf, we are introducing agility training. We have purchased agility equipment with provided funding, and the dogs are learning so much and enjoying the agility experience.
How many pets did this grant help?
50 dogs a month
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Have you ever seen anything more heartwarming than rescued dogs letting go of the past and playing freely in the sunshine? Exercising their minds as they prepare for new lives? RBARI’s rescued dogs now have a brand new, safe and beautiful place to run and exercise without restrictions. It is because of your support that we can make such beautiful improvements for our four-legged friends. And, most importantly, renovations such as our new play yard, fully equipped with agility equipment, improve the quality of life for rescued dogs residing at our shelter until they find their forever homes.
Our new agility equipment allows our dogs extra play and training to help them decompress, play, train, meet potential adopters and participate in play groups and enrichment activities. Freedom, sunshine and outdoor play are so important to the well-being of our rescued dogs.
Max is a cute little Shiba Inu mix looking for the right understanding person. Agility classes and the equipment provided by a generous Petfinder Foundation grant have given Max the confidence he needed to begin to bond with new people. Not only does Max have fun, but he gets his nervous energy out and makes friends. Max gets along with most other dogs, particularly when they are exercising together. He is a sweet, loyal little dog with the people he chooses to trust. He shows the independent intelligence of a Shiba, so agility training has been key to preparing Max for a new home and de-stressing him during his stay at the shelter. A tired dog is a happy dog, and agility training have done just that for Max!
