Shelter Revamps Make for Strong Bonds, More Adoptions
Program employs “Hammers and Nails for Happy Tails”
Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation is a proud supporter of Greater Good Charities’ Rescue Rebuild program, an effort that is critical in strengthening the human-animal bond in our communities.
Rescue Rebuild renovates animal shelters and converts domestic violence (DV) shelters to be pet-friendly to help people in challenging positions have the unconditional love of their pets. They also work with existing homeless and veteran shelters, to provide pet-friendly solutions that help keep pets and their caregivers together. Since 2018, BI Cares has supported eight renovations across seven states – all of which have helped to improve the quality of life for pets and their caregivers and increase pet adoptability.
In addition, BI Cares supports Rescue Rebuild training workshops and personalized organizational consulting for Human Services and Animal Welfare organizations that would like to start pet programs of their own, easing animal and DV shelters through the complicated process of planning, contracting and completing renovations. For DV shelters, Rescue Rebuild provides operational advice on starting a pet program from scratch and guidance related to the many phases of construction.
In 2021, Rescue Rebuild traveled to the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society (BGWCHS) in Kentucky to create brand-new dog play yards, complete with a set of bleachers for potential pet parents to watch how the dogs interact with each other. “It did not take long to realize what a huge impact the renovations and training would make,” said Leah Lawrence, Adoption Center Manager. Post-project adoptions began before the crew had a chance to pack up their tools after an individual watched the dogs at play.
The Rescue Rebuild program delivers an impact that supports BI Cares’ mission to strengthen communities by improving the health and well-being of people and animals, today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
