Cedar Bend Humane Society: KONG Toys Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Since being awarded the Kong Toy Grant, we have provided valuable enrichment time for numerous shelter animals, including our longest-stay residents, high-energy dogs, and medical case dogs.
Our summer dog adoptions have increased, and our volunteers now have extra supplies to continue enrichment each week. We have seen the dogs' stress levels go down in the kennels when enjoying a KONG toy because they can settle down and focus on something instead of the surrounding noises. The toys have also been helpful in capturing photos to highlight the dogs available for adoption.
Overall, the KONG toys have been very beneficial in both our enrichment program as well as for our volunteers and staff to be able to create positive bonds and socialize with each dog one-on-one.
How many pets did this grant help?
100 or more
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Rudy (first photo) is a 1-year-old shepherd mix who came to CBHS as a severely emaciated stray. After weeks of daily care, he became this goofy, high-energy pup who benefited from a Kong toy to keep his stress levels down. While he was in his kennel, the Kong kept him relaxed, and while he was outside, he enjoyed running around showing off his toy. Kong toys were a favorite for Rudy, and he has since been adopted!
Along with Rudy, we have had many longest residents adopted since receiving this award. We also have many current residents who use the Kong toys to reduce their stress while in their kennels.
One example is Diego (second photo), a shy 2-year-old boy who awaits a home that will give him time and patience to come out of his shell. Kong toys are a vital part of making his time at the shelter more comfortable and giving him the confidence to interact with the humans.
