Dogs Playing for Life program coming to Medina County Dog Shelter Oct. 18-19

The Medina County Dog Shelter will host Dogs Playing for Life, an acclaimed national program that uses playgroups and enrichment to improve the lives of shelter dogs, on Oct. 18-19.

Dogs Playing for Life has transformed the shelter experience for hundreds of thousands of dogs nationwide by focusing on canine well-being from intake through adoption. Through structured play, the program helps dogs build confidence, release energy and display their true personalities, making adoption matches easier and more successful.

The upcoming two-day seminar will train shelter staff and volunteers on how to safely introduce dogs into playgroups, manage different play styles and personalities, recognize warning signs to prevent problem interactions, and use playgroups to improve adoption outcomes.

To make the program a success, the shelter is seeking donations of supplies. Needed items include standard 6-foot and 10-foot clip leashes (no slip leads), flat collars in medium through extra-large sizes, martingale collars in medium through extra-large sizes, small spray bottles, and empty 16-ounce water bottles, 20-ounce Gatorade bottles or gallon milk jugs with lids. Donation links are available on Amazon, and the shelter asks that donors use the recommended options to ensure the correct equipment is purchased.

Supplies should be delivered directly to the Medina County Dog Shelter, 6334 Deerview Lane, Medina, OH 44256.

By investing in canine enrichment, the shelter is helping more dogs not only live but thrive until they find their forever families.