Official City Release
$13,000 of KONGS wheeled into FWACC shelters
Mentioned Entities
Analysis
Overview
Cowtown Friends donated 1,000 KONG enrichment toys to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control shelters, funded by a $13,000 'Second Chance KONGS' grant from VCA Charities.
Community Impact
Insights by Role
Journalist
LowLow significance — routine or procedural itemThe $13,000 grant came from VCA Charities, a national corporate foundation, not city funds — a detail that raises a legitimate question about how much of FWACC's enrichment and supply budget is covered by outside donors versus the city's general fund allocation.
Resident
LowLow significance — routine or procedural itemFort Worth residents interested in adopting, fostering, or volunteering with shelter animals can engage with Cowtown Friends or visit FWACC directly, where dogs are now receiving enrichment toys to reduce shelter stress.
Source Text
Open source →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.
*The dog pictured enjoying her new KONG is March, a 1-year-old pup (ID #A0059681748).
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