One of the many shelters that won grants in The Animal Rescue Site’s Shelter+ Challenge last year was the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha. Grants Manager Alexandra Nather wrote to tell us how our $1,000 grant changed the life of one very special dog there.
“Being an open-admission shelter, we accept all animals, and many with special needs or circumstances have long stays with us. The following is the story of Princess, a young Pit Bull who finally found the perfect forever home after being at the shelter for five months.
“One of the biggest challenges we faced at our shelter last year was finding creative ways to handle dogs who had a long shelter stay. Princess forced our staff to think outside the box.
“She came to the shelter because her owner didn’t have the time or money to care for her. She was young, strong and out of control, but oh, so loveable. She would sit on desks, go through the trash and jump over half doors. It soon became clear that working with her in the shelter was not enough — we needed to find a way to get her off-site and exercised, both mentally and physically.
“We created a new dog-walker program called Shelter Support. Trained volunteers led teams that worked with Princess. The dog walkers scheduled times and days to take her off-site to the lake or to McDonald’s for ice cream, out to a shopping mall or a store where well-mannered dogs are allowed.
“The new support system was a success and made all the difference for Princess and other dogs with similar issues. After five months of shelter care, a calmer and well-mannered Princess finally found her forever home (complete with one adoring little girl).
“We are most grateful to be the recipient of a $1,000 grant through the Shelter+ Challenge. Thank you for helping us care for homeless pets.”
Thanks to the Nebraska Humane Society, the Animal Rescue Site and, of course, Princess’s new family for finally giving her a castle to call home!
