DCAS's "Under Dog to Wonder Dog" program helps dogs find their hidden superpowers

Your generous donations to DuPage Animal Friends have been put straight to work to start a new enrichment program at DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS).

Under Dog to Wonder Dog is a pilot program designed for select dogs that need extra support for a successful adoption placement. We thank YOU for allowing DuPage Animal Friends to have funds available to allocate to this life-saving and life-changing adoption program.

Along with a personalized training program for each dog, the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program helps set-up the "Under Dog" for success with pre-adoption counseling for the potential adopters, three in-home training sessions with a certified professional dog trainer, and 3 months of post-adoption consultation.

Other enrichment tools the adopter and "Under Dog" receive include A Sound Beginning book & CD set, Freedom harness and leash set, a Kong Wobbler enrichment toy, 6‘ foot leash, Martingale collar, and Nylabone.

"Under Dogs" go on an outing with Orange Paw volunteers.

The Under Dog to Wonder Dog program makes it possible for animals formerly available for rescue-transfer only to be made available for direct adoption from DCAS to qualified adopters. The program also creates awareness of the challenges DCAS faces with securing placement for hard-to-place animals.

If successful, Under Dog to Wonder Dog pilot program has the potential to become a standing program providing a greater number of options for hard-to-place animals - especially those with minor behavior issues - while also solving the problem of few dogs available for adoption. 

The progressive efforts shown in the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program set DCAS apart from some other open admission facilities. Thank YOU for making it possible for DuPage Animal Friends to participate in this unique and life-saving program.

---

"Under Dog" Craig receives much-needed laser and massage therapy

Long term DCAS resident and "Under Dog" Craig developed lameness due to an injury he sustained during his time at DCAS. It is also believed that he suffers from general discomfort in his lumbar spine as a result of the way his legs are naturally formed.

Craig has been receiving massage and laser therapy to help his recovery. Craig has not only benefitted from these treatments and is showing less signs of lameness and stiffness, but is also benefitting behaviorally from the calming treatments and the enrichment of “getting away” from the shelter - thus decreasing his general anxiety and behavior issues.

Volunteer Susan recently took Craig to his "Spa Day." The first stop was Physio Pet Massage with Katie in Glendale Heights. Craig worked on stretching using an exercise peanut and then had all his tight muscles gently massaged. Next up, Susan drove Craig to his K-Laser treatment at Animal Medical Center in Wheaton. Dr. Zollinger did acupuncture laser on pain points and anxiety points, too. Craig was relaxed the whole time. What a good boy!

"Under Dog" Craig loved his therapy sessions last week!

---

Craig is still available for adoption through the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program.
​You can read more about Craig on DuPage County Animal Service's website.

---

Would you like to make a gift to the animals to support innovative initiatives like the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program? You may make a one-time or monthly gift on our website.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity towards DuPage's homeless animals.