The Georgian Triangle Humane Society has been given a paw up to help support dogs in need.
The Collingwood-based animal shelter was recently named as one of 10 recipients across Canada for a $10,000 grant from Pedigree Foundation which will be used to help fund their Pawsitive Match Program. The program supports dogs with challenging behaviours, as well as their adopters.
“We were very excited when we found out,” said Kristin Holmes, public relations manager with the GTHS.
“Like Pedigree Foundation, the GTHS believes that every dog deserves a loving home,” she said.
The Pawsitive Match Program pairs dogs with adopters who understand the temperament, needs and wants of dogs with challenging behaviours.
Holmes says that as the GTHS is a registered charity, it relies on this type of funding to be able to continue to provide programming.
“The Pedigree Foundation grant will go a long way to helping the GTHS better support dogs that are more difficult to place in adoptive homes, as well as their adopters, to lead to more successful adoptions in the long run,” she said.
As of the end of September, Holmes says 918 adoptions have taken place this year through the GTHS, which is 70 more than the same time last year.
The charity is also seeing more animals surrendered, with a 60 per cent increase in stray dogs and a 76 per cent increase in surrendered cats this year. The canine quarters at the facility are currently full with a waiting list.
“Pet owners struggle with rising costs and mounting pressures,” said Holmes. “Challenges we are seeing this year are higher return rates for adopted dogs due to behaviour concerns, and an increase in our average length of stay for dogs in our care.”
Georgian Triangle Humane Society is one of ten Canadian shelters that will receive the $10,000 grant. The grant is committed by Pedigree Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization established by Mars Petcare with an ambition to help end pet homelessness. The program will provide $100,000 total across the 10 shelters.
For more information on the GTHS, click here.
