The Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon County: Play Yard Renovation Grant Report

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

We used the funds to build a 100' x 50' play yard for our dogs to enjoy playgroups.

It has made a tremendous difference in our shelter dogs' enrichment, training, and behavior. We have been able to exercise and socialize our dogs together. This has allowed the dogs to use the pent-up energy they have in the kennels, reducing the "kennel crazy" factor in our shelter. It also allows for our dogs to socialize, which is so very important for their adoptability factor: Adopters are able to see how they interact with other dogs and they are able to be adopted into homes that have other pets. This has by far been a huge factor in increasing our adoptions and reducing our returns. This renovation will indefinitely help our entire dog population.

How many pets did this grant help?

200

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

Our sweet deaf boy Kaid has been with us for almost one year. He is a staff and volunteer favorite but has yet to find his forever home. He is like our mascot for this new play yard because he shows all of our new dogs how to interact in there. He runs WILD in there, looking like the happiest dog in the whole world! Before this yard, he would mainly be leash-walked, but now he can SHINE. We added a dog tunnel and some agility equipment to the yard and he is an absolute star on all of them. He teaches our new dogs how to play tag, run through tunnels, pause on the tables, and even jump the jumps! Kaid gives us hope at the shelter because, although he has called us home for too long, he couldn’t be happier in this yard with his friends. Meet Kaid: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/36627951