Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC): KONG Toys Grant Report

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

We received Kongs for our big dogs.

See below.

How many pets did this grant help?

45 large dogs, many of whom are pit bulls. We also have 15 dogs at a ranch outside of the shelter who enjoy their daily Kongs! These Kongs don't just help them once, but every single day for months and months. Thank you!

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

We are a non-profit, no-kill, no-excuses shelter, so the dogs in our care can be with us for long periods of time, and we attempt to give them outstanding daily care to keep their lives interesting. This includes three to five walks per day, playgroups, treadmilling and two feedings per day, plus one or two Kongs per day, depending on how busy their day is already! It’s sort of like kindergarten: Their day is busy, but they do get nap times too! The Kongs give them some additional relaxation time. Since we have around 28 large dogs at any given time, we need to have at least 56 Kongs in good condition at all times to allow for them to be filled and frozen for the twice-daily Kong breaks. We also have 15 dogs at an off-site ranch who get Kongs too.

Pictured is Dolly. From her Petfinder profile: “Hello, my name is Dolly, a 3-year-old, 50-lb. Staffie mix available for adoption. I am a sweet and calm young girl and my favorite physical feature is my giant cutie-pie eyes. I am looking for a home where I can hang out and lie in the sun in the afternoon. We can cuddle and play but I really just need someone to love. Do you think that can be you?” Meet Dolly: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/36887460