Second Chance Animal Services: Dog Field Trip/Short-Term Fostering Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The money was used to purchase treats, poop bags, and supplies for our dog field trip/short-term fostering program. The supplies are always needed to keep up with ones that need to be replaced or to replace consumable products so that the program always has what is needed for the pets to go out in to the community. We purchased treats, poop bags, and some new leashes so that we had additional day-out bags ready to go. This will be especially helpful with the current epidemic: Having additional supplies will ensure that everything is properly disinfected and limit any possibility of cross-contamination.
Doggie field trips help provide shelter pets with an opportunity to get out of the kennel and get some enrichment. It also helps to promote them as adoptable in the community and really showcase who they are. Sometimes the change in the location where people meet them can also highlight the dog's personality and show people what a great fit they could be in their home. For example, a dog who is active and goes out on a field trip for a hike might meet someone in the community who really enjoys hiking and would love a partner.
We had to temporarily stop the program due to COVID-19 and are really excited that, with restrictions being lifted, it can begin again. Many people have felt isolated and depressed these last few months and are looking for things to do, and this will be a wonderful way to help a pet in need while providing an activity and companionship to someone who is lonely and still distancing for safety.
How many pets did this grant help?
Six and counting
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Hutch benefited from the field-trip grant. He was lucky enough to be one of the first to go on a field trip since we had to temporarily stop the program due to COVID-19. Hutch is an awesome dog and unfortunately, due to an ear infection, he has to be in the shelter for a little longer while that is treated.
He enjoyed his field trip and time away from the shelter. His favorite part is the car ride, and you can see just how happy he is in the car! He has not yet been adopted as he is waiting to be medically cleared. He has a wonderful personality and loves to be with people and go for walks — and, of course, car rides — so we don’t think it will take long for him to be scooped up. Maybe someone who signs up for the Dog’s Day Out or someone he meets along his travels will find him irresistible and come back for him.
We have only had a few dogs participate since receiving the funds due to a temporary hold on the program because of COVID-19. With restrictions lifting and trails beginning to reopen, the program is starting back up, so the funds will help many more pets in the very near future. This program is so helpful for the animals we care for, especially the longer-term residents. At Second Chance, we do not shy away from medically needy pets who may have to be with us longer than average, so this program is ideal for those cases and, of course, the tougher-to-place pets.
