Austin Humane Society: KONG Toys Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Kong toys are an important part of the enrichment that we offer our dogs at the Austin Humane Society.
Our regular weekly volunteer groups from the Texas School for the Deaf and College Learning Experience for developmentally disabled young adults stuff Kongs with kibble and peanut butter as part of their task list.
After these student volunteers stuff the Kongs, we place them in our dog-food freezer for a longer-lasting treat. Several times throughout the week, our Animal Services staff distributes the frozen, stuffed Kongs to the dogs in our canine area. Not only does this provide mental exercise for our dogs, but it also provides a productive outlet to reduce stress, helping them be adopted faster!
This grant provides at least one Kong toy to every dog in our shelter at least once per day -- to provide essential enrichment, help them find adoptive homes, and reduce shelter fear, anxiety, and stress.
How many pets did this grant help?
500
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Kirby came to AHS through no fault of his own. A pup who had been neglected, he came to us as a young adult with lots of energy and few manners.
Our team of staff and volunteers immediately jumped into action, creating him a personalized training plan. One of the most essential parts of Kirby’s training plan was his daily kennel enrichment time. At least three times each week, Kirby got his favorite treat: a frozen peanut-butter and kibble-stuffed Kong toy. Kirby’s Kong toy kept him entertained in his kennel for hours at a time.
As our longest-stay resident, Kirby was living in a kennel for months waiting for his forever home. His frozen Kong enrichment time helped distract him from potential kennel stress.
After over a year at AHS, it happened! Kirby was adopted into the most loving home, where he enjoys long walks with his human siblings and romping around on acres and acres of land. Thank you, Petfinder Foundation and Kong, for being part of Kirby’s happy tail!
