Being in a shelter can be exhausting for animals. Just imagine staying inside a small kennel in a noisy, cramped environment. These animals get stressed and anxious, which limits them from showing their true personalities to potential adopters.
The Toledo Area Humane Society in Maumee, Ohio, wanted to help these animals overcome their fear and stress. So, they created an area called “Real Life Room,” where dogs can hang out while waiting for their turn to get adopted!
The staff at the shelter redecorated an old office to create the Real Life Room. They ensured the space was ample enough for the dogs to chill and play. They even put up art decor matching the makeshift room’s overall theme.
The Real Life Room has everything to help a dog relax. It has a TV, a reclining chair, a soft rug, a floor lamp, and a dog bed! It’s a perfect place where the dogs can let their true personalities shine through.
The dogs take turns going to the Real Life Room to take a break from the noisy kennel area. Potential adopters then see how the dogs behave in a home-like setting.
The shelter staff took photos of some dogs hanging out in the Real Life Room and posted them on their Facebook page. They also featured Jake, one of their long-staying dogs, enjoying the peaceful environment in the said area. And guess what — just a few weeks later, Jake got adopted!
The time and effort spent building the Real Life Room are all worth it! More and more dogs are getting adopted, and it is because they are comfortable and less stressed.
The Toledo Area Humane Society hopes to influence other shelters to help the animals de-stress while waiting for their forever family.
Watch their little innovation featured in the video below.
Video credit: Youtube CBS News