Summary of Project Goals
Our project aimed to enhance the well-being of dogs at the SPCA KK Rehabilitation and Adoption Centre by providing mental stimulation through the construction of a DIY playground. This initiative also seeks to improve socialization among the animals, increasing their chances of being adopted.

Fundraising Contributions
In addition to our primary project funding, we received support through local donations and fundraising activities, including social media campaigns. However, the anticipated donations from pet stores and veterinary clinics did not materialize, as many businesses were focused on their own operations.

Project Implementation
The project involved building a DIY playground with mental stimulation equipment such as weave poles, jump hurdles, and A-frame agility ramps. Volunteers helped construct the playground, and a professional dog trainer was recruited to provide staff with the necessary training. The project’s focus was on enhancing the mental and physical well-being of dogs at the shelter, which contributes to a higher likelihood of adoption.

Unanticipated Difficulties
Several challenges arose during the project, including:

• Volunteer Availability: There was a lack of consistent volunteers due to frequent changes in dates caused by conflicting academic schedules.

• Donations: We were unable to secure donations from local pet stores or veterinary clinics, as most businesses were focused on their own business priorities.

• Distance to Project Site: The long distance to the SPCA KK shelter (47 km away) posed logistical challenges for volunteers, resulting in delays and limited engagement.

• Training Suitability: The dog trainer assessed the dogs at the shelter, and only four dogs were deemed suitable for the playground equipment after a behavioral assessment. Not all dogs were appropriate for training, which limited the number of animals that could benefit from the equipment.

• Staffing Constraints: A shortage of SPCA KK staff made it difficult to train more dogs in a day. With limited personnel available, the number of dogs that could be trained was restricted, which impacted the scope of the project’s reach.

What Worked Well
Despite the difficulties, the collaboration with the community through volunteer recruitment and social media campaigns helped raise awareness and garner some support. The dogs quickly adapted to the new playground, showing reduced stress and improved socialization skills, which positively impacted their adoption potential. Additionally, we advertised that the playground equipment would be available for local dog owners to use, which expanded the reach of the project and encouraged community involvement.

What Didn’t Work Well
The inconsistent volunteer availability, along with delays in receiving donations, slowed down the construction process. The long drive to the shelter was another hindrance to consistent volunteer engagement and timely project completion. Additionally, the limited number of dogs suitable for the equipment based on the trainer’s assessment reduced the scope of the project's impact. The staffing shortage at SPCA KK further hindered the ability to train more dogs on a daily basis, which limited the overall effectiveness of the project.

Provision of Additional Equipment
To ensure the continued success and longevity of the project, additional sets of playground equipment will be provided in April 2025. This step aims to replace any damaged equipment and maintain the stimulation and enrichment environment for the dogs, ensuring the shelter can continue benefiting from the improvements.

Beneficiaries of the Project
The primary beneficiaries were the dogs at the SPCA KK Rehabilitation and Adoption Centre. These animals, which had previously struggled with overcrowding and behavioral issues, benefited from the mental and physical stimulation provided by the new playground. Additionally, the community around the shelter, including local dog owners who were invited to use the equipment, benefited through hands-on experience and increased awareness of animal welfare.

Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
This project has the potential for long-term impact by fostering an ongoing relationship between the shelter and the local community, ensuring that future volunteers continue to support the shelter’s mission. The playground will also remain a key feature of the shelter, contributing to the dogs' well-being for years to come. The shelter will continue to maintain the equipment, and social media outreach will ensure continued adoption interest and community support. The availability of the playground for local dog owners will also help maintain community engagement and promote responsible pet ownership.

How does or will your project contribute to happiness? Short-term? Long-term?
In the short term, our project directly contributes to the happiness of the animals at the SPCA KK Rehabilitation and Adoption Centre by providing them with mental and physical stimulation through the playground equipment. The dogs have shown reduced stress levels and improved socialization, which enhances their chances of being adopted and gives them a better quality of life while at the shelter. Additionally, the local community, especially dog owners, will benefit from the opportunity to use the equipment, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility towards animal welfare. In the long term, this project contributes to the overall happiness of the animals through sustained care, improved well-being, and increased adoption rates. By providing a space that promotes mental stimulation and positive behaviors, we contribute to a more fulfilling life for the dogs and a stronger, more engaged community focused on animal welfare.

Has your project changed the way you think about the world? How has it changed you?
This project has profoundly impacted the way I view the interconnectedness of community and animal welfare. Prior to the project, I did not fully understand how significant mental and physical stimulation is for shelter animals, particularly in terms of improving their adoptability. The challenges faced, such as insufficient donations and limited volunteer availability, made me realize how vital community involvement is in achieving long-lasting change. Additionally, through this project, I learned the importance of being a responsible pet owner, not just adopting a dog but also committing to their lifelong care. I've learned from SPCA's cases where dogs are abandoned again due to lack of proper training, and the crucial role proper training plays in successful adoption. I also learned about the importance of neutering to prevent overpopulation, and how neutering is not harmful to the dog’s well-being, as I once thought. This experience has not only expanded my knowledge but has also instilled a greater sense of responsibility and empathy, making me more aware of the long-term commitment involved in adopting a pet.

Personal Statement
"This project has been incredibly valuable to me, as it allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause that directly improves the lives of animals in need. The most important lesson I learned was the power of community involvement, how collective efforts, even in small ways, can create lasting change, and the responsibility we have as pet owners to ensure our pets are well-trained and cared for."
— Natasha Oswen Bernard Lojikim