From Brainstorm to Bedtime: How participants improved shelter life
Earlier this year, the Intro to Handle group in Darwin noticed a challenge in the shelter: dogs were chewing and destroying their bedding.
Together, the boys brainstormed why this might happen—highlighting boredom, loneliness, and under-stimulation—and identified the risks, from digestive health to presenting potentially undesirable behaviours to potential adopters who might walk past their pens and see chewed and torn up linen.
Through their problem-solving session, the group suggested more durable “trampoline-style” Kevlar beds as a solution. HPHH Volunteer Judith took the idea further, securing generous community support and donations that funded new beds for the entire shelter.
For the participants, this was a powerful moment of seeing the fruition of their ideas turn into action. They weren’t just caring for the animals hands-on but contributing to a long-term improvement in the shelter’s operations and the dogs’ wellbeing.
Today, the dogs enjoy their new beds, which are safer and, easier to maintain. With the wet season approaching, this upgrade will help ease the load on RSPCA NT volunteers and staff by cutting down on laundry needs. Most importantly, it will mean the animals can remain dry, comfortable, and cared for in a more sustainable way throughout the season.
