Somerset Humane Society: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

The money was used to purchase agility-training equipment for use in the dog-enrichment program we are developing.

This grant made it possible to purchase some agility-training equipment for our dogs. Our goal is to work on the equipment with the dogs who have higher energy levels. The training will help keep their minds stimulated and occupied and the exercise will help them be more relaxed when it is time to go back to their kennels. Also, the one-on-one time spent with the person who is working with them is great for socialization.

How many pets did this grant help?

unlimited amount

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

One of the best examples I can think of is of a 2-year-old female pit mix named Ginger. She had been at SHS for a few months with little to no interest in her due to her breed and her high anxiety levels in her kennel. All customers could see when they visited our dog room was a loud, barking dog who repeatedly threw herself at the kennel door, fulfilling all pit-bull stereotypes in most people’s minds. Then we got the agility equipment and Ginger showed amazing aptitude for learning routines and tricks with the equipment. This helped her focus and use up her endless energy outside. After I took photos of her doing her tricks with the agility equipment and posted them on our Facebook page, she was adopted within a week. I believe it was because the photos showed her in a fun and different light. Thank you for giving us this grant; it will help many dogs in the future!