Ozark Haven Rescue: KONG Toys Grant Report

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

The Kongs are a wonderful asset for the dogs. The dogs in our foster homes loved the toys; they promote playing and give hours of contentment.

Many times the dogs that come into our program are abused, neglected and have suffered hardships. The Kongs are a wonderful way to get these dogs to relax and learn that it is okay to just be a dog, to play, chew and enjoy things again. At times, some who enter our program have never had the good fortune to even know what a toy is. It is heartwarming to see them start to play with the Kong and to see them blossom into the pet that they were meant to be.

How many pets did this grant help?

40

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

Little Saffron, pictured here, was part of an unwanted litter born to a rural farm dog. Fortunately there was a rescue presence in that area and Saffron was saved. It is scary for a little one, so young and innocent, to be suddenly taken from her mom and dropped into a whole new situation. Saffron found comfort in her Kong toy — she even sleeps with it. She is now a happy, playful puppy, and having a Kong toy available as soon as she entered the program helped her to adapt and relax quickly. Now she can move into the life all puppies deserve: loved, safe and happy.