St Francis Animal Shelter: Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

On behalf of everyone at St. Francis Animal Shelter — especially the dogs — we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your generous support and the enrichment tools your grant made possible.

Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation, we were able to enhance the daily lives of our shelter dogs with new toys, puzzles, treat-dispensing devices, and an especially exciting addition: a herding ball! These resources have truly been a game-changer for both our team and the animals in our care.

Here’s what your support helped us achieve:

Boredom Busted: Many of our dogs are with us for extended periods while they wait for their forever homes. These enrichment items have helped reduce stress, curb destructive behaviors, and keep minds busy. We've seen more relaxed and content dogs — even during long stays.

Personalities Unlocked: Interactive play and problem-solving toys allowed our team to see different sides of the dogs. Dogs that were once shy or reserved have blossomed with confidence. We now have better insight into each dog's temperament and preferences, which helps us match them more successfully with adopters.

Tail Wags All Around: The herding ball has been an unexpected favorite! High-energy dogs that previously struggled with overstimulation now have a fun, focused outlet that channels their drive in a positive way. Watching them problem-solve, play, and thrive has been incredibly rewarding for both staff and volunteers.

We are thrilled to report that this enrichment initiative not only improves quality of life but also directly contributes to higher adoption rates. Happy, engaged dogs are more likely to catch the eye of a potential adopter — and thanks to you, our dogs are shining brighter than ever.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for bringing joy, stimulation, and discovery into our shelter dogs’ lives. We are so grateful for your continued support.

How many pets did this grant help?

20

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

When Quinn first came to St. Francis Animal Shelter, she was quiet and unsure. She had a gentle soul and kind eyes, but we could tell she hadn’t yet discovered what made her heart sing.

That all changed the day we introduced her to one of the new rope toys purchased through our grant from the Petfinder Foundation.

It started with a cautious sniff, then a hesitant nibble — and then, as if a switch flipped, Quinn was off! Chasing the rope, leaping through the air, and proudly prancing back to return it, tail wagging like crazy. That’s when we realized: Quinn had a true passion for fetch.

With her newfound love of play, Quinn’s personality blossomed. She became more confident, more expressive, and began to connect more easily with volunteers and visitors. Her joy was contagious, and she started catching the eyes (and hearts) of potential adopters.

One sunny afternoon, a young couple looking for an active, playful companion came to meet her. They brought their own tennis ball — and Quinn sealed the deal with a perfect fetch-and-return. It was love at first throw.

Now Quinn is living her best life, playing fetch in a big backyard with her very own people and a growing collection of toys. Thanks to your support, she found her spark — and her forever home.

Thank you, Petco Love, for helping us unlock joy and play for dogs like Quinn.