Santa Fe shelter offering free ‘rescue kits’ for adopted dogs

The Santa Fe animal shelter is among 10 groups nationwide that are receiving the kits.

All dogs adopted in October from the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society will come with a special “rescue kit” to give them a paw up in life. The kits, which contain 10 canine health products, are part of the shelter’s adoption package through October, which is National Dog Adoption Month. The free kits are courtesy of Trent Doney, founder and owner of Particular Paws of Scottsdale, Ariz. The Santa Fe animal shelter is among 10 groups nationwide that are receiving the kits.

Doney said it’s been a personal dream to create and donate 2,400 kits filled with the company’s best products, which include samples designed to help with a dog’s joint health, digestion, skin, fur and overall well-being.

“The rescue kits will help ease the transition for both the new parent and dog,” Doney said. “We’re dedicated to helping pets and that includes our furry friends who haven’t found a loving, forever home just yet.”

Particular Paw’s product line has increased since Doney created a joint and hip supplement after the experience with his dog, Cleopatra, an Akita. The dog was hit by a vehicle as a young pup and suffered from joint problems late in life.

“She developed arthritis and her quality of life suffered,” he said. “I started doing market research on joint supplements and dogs and there it was, I found my niche. My biggest regret was that I wish I would have known and could have been more proactive about it.”

Doney’s close relationship with rescue animals and shelters also was sparked by Cleopatra. The dog had gotten loose and was taken to a shelter after she was injured in the vehicle collision.

“When they found her and took care of her — I’ve just always had a soft place for rescues,” he said. “I just feel like the hearts of rescue people are bigger than others.”

Doney’s product line grew from where he felt there was a need, he said. The first two products were a joint/hip supplement and a pet stain/ order remover. Later he added probiotics, which can help an animal’s digestive health and boost immunity. A calming aid supplement was created for rescue dogs but also because of his mother’s hyperactive toy poodles.

He started the company three years ago and sells the individual products online at particularpaws.com, Amazon.com and Chewy.com.

His initial thought was that he should box up his top-selling products and donate them to rescue animals. This year, he’s finally able to see that goal become a reality. The retail value of the contents of each rescue kit is $99.

“It really has been a dream of mine since I first started the company,” he said. “It really comes down to helping the dogs. This is round one. I’m hoping to do it again next year, just because.”

Doney said he looks to create longtime customers through the promotion, but he’s also hoping for rescue stories from those who use his products. The custom boxes contain an insert card requesting the adopter’s pet rescue story.

For more information about the products, visit www.particularpaws.com.