The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri: KONG Toys Grant Report

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

We have a lot of long-term animals, and Kong toys provide the perfect enrichment for them. They're safe and almost indestructible so we don't have to worry about leaving them in the kennels (like other toys).

AND during the hot summers like we're having now in Missouri, we have volunteers stuff them with peanut butter and freeze them for a long-lasting cold treat.

How many pets did this grant help?

At any point in time, we have 50-100 dogs in our care, with new ones coming in daily!

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

Zeus (first photo) had a pelvic and leg fracture, so he had to be confined to a crate for three months, which was torture for such an active dog. We froze peanut butter in his Kong and he licked it for hours, which has made his rehab much more bearable. Once Zeus is totally recovered, he will be looking for a forever home.

Princess (second photo) belonged to a homeless person and was hit by a car and relinquished to us. She had multiple fractures, necessitating a lengthy confinement to restrict movement. At first she had no clue what a toy was, but she quickly learned how much fun a Kong could be. It’s taken her mind off of her pain and restrictions and made her road to recovery much more pleasant. Once she has recovered, Princess will be looking for a forever home, too.