$13,000 of KONGS wheeled into FWACC shelters

Original Story Published at www.fortworthtexas.gov

Thanks to a generous Second Chance KONGS grant from VCA Charities, we were proud to deliver $13,000 worth of enrichment toys — over 1,000 KONGS — to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control shelters. These durable toys help reduce stress, provide mental stimulation, and give dogs comfort while they wait for their forever homes. Seeing pallets of KONGS rolled into the shelter knowing they will benefit hundreds of dogs throughout the year was an incredibly meaningful moment for our team. Every dog deserves enrichment, comfort, and a better chance at adoption.

Hundreds of dogs at Fort Worth Animal Care and Control are starting the year with an added layer of comfort and enrichment thanks to a generous donation of KONG toys. Cowtown Friends recently delivered 1,000 blue KONG enrichment toys to FWACC shelters, providing dogs with safe, engaging tools while they wait to be adopted.

“I feel a true sense of excitement and relief knowing that those KONGS will make a huge daily impact for the dogs that go through the shelter system,” said Dana Litt, co-founder of Cowtown Friends.

The “Second Chance KONGS” grant, provided by VCA Charities, made it possible for Cowtown Friends to deliver $13,000 worth of enrichment toys to the City shelters. “The goal of enrichment is to make sure the dogs are as comfortable and relaxed as can be while they wait for their forever home,” said Litt.

KONG dog toys are durable, chew-resistant enrichment tools designed to safely engage dogs’ natural instincts to chew, lick and play. In a shelter setting, that type of stimulation can have a meaningful impact. “The shelter environment can be very stressful for dogs, and there’s been research that shows if they can focus on enrichment, it can lower their stress levels and make their stay happier and healthier,” said Litt.

The toys’ hollow centers allow shelter staff to fill them with treats, kibble or peanut butter, helping keep dogs mentally engaged throughout the day.

Cowtown Friends was founded in 2020 by three FWACC volunteers who recognized the need to go above and beyond for Fort Worth’s shelter animals. The nonprofit is dedicated exclusively to supporting FWACC shelters by donating supplemental supplies, participating in adoption events and fostering animals to help them find permanent homes.

Through ongoing fundraising efforts, Cowtown Friends helps support the health and wellbeing of shelter animals while also uplifting the staff who care for them. “We feel strongly that the staff should also be supported, so we work to do regular meals or coffee events so that they know we’re also thinking about the incredible care they do for the animals,” said Litt.

To learn more or get involved, visit the Cowtown Friends website.