Dorchester Paws: Kia Pet Adoption Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
This grant had a great impact on both Dorchester Paws and the animals in our care. At a time when we were severely over capacity -- housing 431 animals in a facility designed for only 75 dogs and 115 cats -- the funding enabled us to launch a critical fee-reduced adoption campaign.
Through this campaign, we were able to host multiple on-site and off-site adoption events, significantly increasing community engagement and visibility for our animals. The reduced adoption fees served as a strong incentive for families to consider adoption, helping us find loving homes for many of the dogs and cats in our care.
As a result, we saw a reduction in the number of animals in the shelter for a brief period, alleviating the strain on our resources and improving the overall well-being of the animals remaining in our facility. Additionally, the grant allowed us to focus on creating positive adoption experiences, which strengthened our relationship with the community and promoted responsible pet ownership.
How many pets did this grant help?
We hosted a reduced-fee event that lasted four days and we had 62 animals adopted!
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
When Augar (first six photos) arrived at Dorchester Paws, his eyes told a story of love and loss. His previous owner had passed away, leaving him alone in a world that no longer felt familiar. To make matters worse, Augar bore the physical scars of his past: a burn that ran down his spine, a haunting reminder of the hardships he had endured.
Despite everything, Augar’s sweet and gentle demeanor captured the hearts of everyone who met him. His resilience and willingness to trust again inspired the team to do everything they could to ensure his next chapter was filled with happiness and security.
Shortly after his arrival, Augar was placed in foster care. His foster family, moved by his story and his enduring spirit, became his biggest advocates. They showered him with love, helping him heal physically and emotionally while showcasing his true personality — a loyal, playful, and affectionate companion who just needed someone to give him a chance.
When the reduced-fee adoption week was announced, his fosters saw an opportunity to help Augar find the perfect forever home. Determined to make him stand out, they organized a special event just for him, inviting community members to meet the incredible dog who had already overcome so much.
The event was a success. Augar charmed everyone with his wagging tail and soulful eyes, but one family in particular couldn’t resist his magic. They were drawn not just to his story but to the way he greeted them with unbridled affection and joy. It was as if Augar knew he had found his people.
By the end of the day, Augar was no longer a shelter dog. He was a beloved family member, heading home to start a new life filled with love and companionship.
Thanks to the grant-funded reduced-fee adoption event and the unwavering dedication of his foster family, Augar’s story went from heartbreak to hope. Today, he thrives in his new home, his burn scar a distant memory of a life left behind. Augar’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community support and second chances.
