SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – Shelby Humane is adding more play areas for dogs.
Dogs stuck in kennels while they wait on homes now have new areas to stretch and play thanks to a $35,000 grant from a national nonprofit, Petco Love.
The fences were put together by Olympic Fence.
They have now added an additional 16 play yards to the 14 they already had, giving the dogs more opportunities to go outside, get much needed sunlight and stretch their legs.
“It’s kind of interesting. We asked for $26,000 and they gave us $35,000. We were very excited,” said Executive Director Saundra Ivey.
Based on research, Ivey says it actually decreases the dogs’ stress level.
“I will tell you living in a kennel, almost like living in jail,” said Ivey.
And it can result in neuro damage to the dog in just a short period of time.
“What we do is we try to bring them out in the morning and in the afternoon and it is so fun to see a dog that’s kind of not the friendliest dog, go outside and start wagging their tail and playing,” Ivey said.
On top of that, it increases staff morale.
“It is also good to see the staff as they play with the dogs as well because the staff work so hard, so it’s good for everybody,” Ivey said.
Shelby Humane still needs more support like blankets and fosters.
“As a matter of fact, we’ve got a situation right now that just came in. It’s a female dog that we just didn’t quite realize she was that pregnant and during the night, she had puppies,” Ivey said.
Ivey said she is malnourished and needs a warm place for her and her puppies so they are looking for a foster family.
Another message Ivey had for the public: get your animals fixed. She says it’s one of the easiest ways to ease overcrowding in shelters.
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