Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin: Dog Field Trip/Short-Term Fostering Grant Report

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

In 2024 we have been expanding our Doggy Day Out program. We were able to purchase "Adopt Me" vests, seatbelts, a "Blind" leash sleeve, a "Deaf" leash sleeve, a set of travel stairs, travel water bottles, backpacks, water bowls, wipes, disposable bags, and treat pouches. These items have been a wonderful asset to our volunteers.

The additional funding has allowed more volunteers to participate in the program and get more dogs out of the shelter for the day. This program has allowed our staff to learn more about the dogs' personalities, likes, and dislikes in order to match them with the perfect forever homes. We have found that the dogs involved in the Doggy Day Out program have quicker rates of adoption.

How many pets did this grant help?

50

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

Elvis (first and second photos) came into the shelter as a stray back in November. He was starting to show signs of kennel stress and aggression with several staff members after being in the shelter for a couple of weeks.

Some of our amazing volunteers selected Elvis for a Doggy Day Out adventure. They were able to recognize what a wonderful boy Elvis was outside of his kennel. He rode well in the car and did great meeting people and other dogs.

The volunteers decided to foster Elvis after their Doggy Day Out adventure to continue working with him on his manners and to provide structure and routine for him.

Elvis found his forever home after only 1.5 weeks in foster care! Doggy Day Out was Elvis’ chance to shine and show everyone what a good boy he could be.