Athenspets: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

We used the money to purchase interactive toys and agility equipment! The toys and equipment were much appreciated by the dogs and required more interaction with the volunteers. A professional dog trainer provided expertise on purchasing agility equipment and will provide volunteer training.

Many of our dogs are overwhelmed when they first arrive. The interactive toys and agility equipment allow for mental and physical stimulation, which reduces anxiety. Overall kennel anxiety was reduced as anxious dogs did not rile up other dogs.

How many pets did this grant help?

30

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

Jaxon (first and second photos) is a ball of energy. He wants to run, play — anything to leave his kennel. If a volunteer happens to somehow exhaust him by playing catch and running him around, Jaxon goes back to his kennel and whines as people pass. It was only after we added in more mentally stimulating exercise that Jaxon seemed content to snooze away during the day! Meet Jaxon: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/41442540