Pound Buddies Animal Shelter and Adoption Center: Orvis Dog Enrichment Grant Report

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

Pound Buddies received $1,000 from the Orvis Operational Grant for slow feeders for our shelter dogs.

Some dogs gulp their food, especially strays who come to us who were never sure of where their next meal would come from. This is unhealthy and can lead to digestive problems -- even very serious, sometimes fatal issues such as bloat. Not only do the slow feeders eliminate this problem, but they serve as enrichment tools to occupy and entertain our dogs by presenting a little bit of a challenge.

How many pets did this grant help?

We take in approximately 1,300 to 1,500 dogs a year.

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

Pictured is Sandy, who came to us and was prone to gulping her food. The slow feeder has required her to slow down. From her Petfinder profile: “Sandy likes being weird and awkward, and she fully embraces her flaws. Sandy is missing toes on her back paw, but she doesn’t let it stop her from loving and being loved! Sandy will take you to a place of zen, as she’s had a previous life as a golden wildflower in the ’70’s. Her independent, chill personality goes with the flow and she simply wants peace to all creatures in the world. Instead of roaming with the big dogs, you’ll find Sandy with a lotus flower in her hair, basking in the richness of gloriously cuddling her human on the couch with a kiss of ‘Namaste’ on her lips.” Meet Sandy: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/37375774