Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate the people (and pets) who enrich our lives and find ways to share that kindness with others. We are grateful for the families who trust us with their pets, and who help make our growing resort and community special.
A fun day for your dog can also be a chance to do something good close to home. At Green Acres Pet Resort, caring for pets brings us into contact with people throughout our community—and creates opportunities to give back together.
During our first five years, we’ve been building relationships with local families, veterinarians, businesses, and organizations. As our resort community grows and our daycare programs develop, we’re finding more ways to turn those connections into support for local causes.
Community Connections Beyond the Resort
Our involvement has grown through sponsorships, gift baskets donated for local raffles, and participation in community events such as Boo at the Zoo and the DeForest Farmers Market.
Each offers a different way to contribute. Sponsorships help make local activities possible. Raffle baskets help organizations raise money. Community events give our team opportunities to meet neighbors, talk with pet parents, and build relationships beyond the resort.
With the help of our clients, Green Acres has supported organizations including Dane County Humane Society, Norski Nibbles, Medi-Dogs Service Dogs, and the DeForest Windsor Food Pantry. These connections reflect the many needs and interests that bring a community together.
Our partnership with Dane County Humane Society was also highlighted in a UW–Madison student journalism project exploring the organization’s community impact. It’s a meaningful example of how local businesses can contribute to a shared cause.
“Being a newer member of the community, I have greatly enjoyed connecting with residents at local events. DeForest offers a rare blend of warm, small-town spirit, and exciting growth. As the leader of the Green Acres team, I am proud of our commitment to keeping every four-legged friend happy, healthy, and enriched. We look forward to deepening our community involvement and participating in even more events next year,” said Amanda Glanz, resort manager.
Turning Celebrations into Support
Special resort events offer another way for pet parents to get involved. A donation of any amount for a dog’s themed event photo becomes both a happy keepsake and support for a local organization.
Sharing information about the benefiting organization—its mission, website, and how contributions help—gives each donation a purpose pet parents can understand. It can also introduce families to causes and resources they might not otherwise discover.
As more families participate, these events can generate greater support and awareness. Small contributions, made together, can help build something lasting.
Meaningful Fun for the Dogs
For the dogs, a special event brings fresh opportunities to explore, play, and learn.
A creative theme can inspire scent games, simple puzzles, discovery activities, and active play. Dogs have opportunities to exercise their minds and bodies, with encouragement and praise along the way. Activities suited to their abilities and comfort levels can also help build confidence.
As our daycare programs grow, our team can continue developing engaging experiences around the dogs’ interests. Staff members get to share their creativity, celebrate the dogs’ successes, and contribute to an event with a community purpose.
For pet parents, that means a special keepsake and a closer look at the thoughtful activities filling their dog’s day.
Growing a Sense of Belonging
Community involvement also creates opportunities for conversation. A pet parent might learn about a local nonprofit through an event announcement, ask a staff member about the fundraiser, or share the cause with a friend.
Those exchanges help strengthen relationships among our team, our clients, and the organizations we support. They give families an approachable way to participate in something positive through a place already connected to their everyday lives.
Building that involvement takes time, and every connection matters. As the Green Acres family grows, so does our opportunity to bring people together, create rewarding experiences for dogs, and support the community we call home.
Visit our Community Engagement page to learn more about the organizations we support—and watch for opportunities to join us at an upcoming event.