We were so excited about the September 2023 Resource Grant when it was announced. And we're still excited! We've used part of the funds to create a play area off of four intake kennels (each dog has an exterior kennel). We're now able to have the dogs in those kennels come directly out into the play area without having to run the hallway gauntlet. Our first efforts have paid off with gold: We have two siblings who came in together after being in the woods with three other dogs. The other, older dogs were quickly adopted out, but these two are extremely shy. The two are on opposite ends of the spectrum for shyness, both run away, but the little girl is timid on approach, the boy barks and growls. The play yard allows them both to come out into the play area on their own terms. On his own, with no humans in sight, it took Ajax 15 minutes to just step out of the kennel. On his fourth trip out, with his sister, he was doing zoomies and coming closer and closer to me. I can now pet Wendy, and Ajax, who barked his head off the first time Wendy came to me for petting, now approaches and touches his nose to my hand. We're getting there! And its thanks to Maddie's Fund. Getting the Resource Grant is making a world of difference at the Potsdam Humane Society. Thank you!
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Eudora Watson
Volunteer
Potsdam Humane Society Shelter
New York
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