August 4, 2021 3:30 a.m.

Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center is seeking emergency foster homes for dogs in anticipation of possible level three wildfire evacuations in south Douglas County.

Executive Director Megan Gram said the shelter is also seeking volunteers to fill peanut butter Kong toys and provide other enrichment toys to help keep dogs in the shelter busy.

Gram said Saving Grace has a large number of dogs waiting for new homes in the shelter already, and that combined with the risk of increased fire activity means the non-profit needs the help of the community more than ever right now. Gram said, “We would like to make room in the shelter by placing dogs into local foster homes in case there is a large-scale evacuation, and also to help decrease anxiety for dogs currently housed here”.

Foster homes are needed for anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Gram said ideally foster homes would have no other pets in the home in order to accommodate the dogs who don’t necessarily get along with other dogs. However, she said the organization can work with those who want to help, on a case-by-case basis to figure out what dog would be best for a particular household.

Anyone interested in helping to fill peanut butter Kongs can simply stop by the shelter anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. through Saturday to pick up Kongs and peanut butter. Residents can fill them up, freeze them and bring them back to the shelter the next day.

Enrichment toys needed include puzzles, Bully Sticks, and treats. A list of what is needed most is posted at www.savinggraceadoptioncenter.org.

Saving Grace will have a special adoption day event on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments are required to meet dogs but not cats. Masks are required.

Call Saving Grace at 672-3709 for more information.