PROVIDING SECOND CHANCES TO ANIMALS SINCE 1870
You Helped Us Keep People and Pets Together Following the Tornado
On May 16, an EF3 tornado swept through the St. Louis region, leaving complete and utter devastation in its wake. Thousands of people and their pets were displaced from their homes and communities.
HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) is designated by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) as the lead animal welfare organization to respond to emergencies and disasters in Missouri. Because of this, the ACT team acted quickly to offer aid to those in need. Our ACT team distributed 78,809 pounds of pet food, received 981 calls for help, and provided temporary shelter to more than 138 pets whose owners either temporarily or permanently were forced to surrender their pets due to the tornado.
Two of those pets were Tina and Ike, a mother-son pit bull terrier duo whose humans were displaced from their home near Natural Bridge Avenue in the storm. Arlecia and Michael Stamps’ home was destroyed in the tornado, and they called HSMO to see if they could temporarily board their dogs until they were able to move out of the hotel where they were staying. Tina and Ike stayed at the Macklind Avenue shelter for most of June, and their humans visited them several times.
“It meant a lot to us to be able to visit them,” Arlecia said. “They knew we hadn’t abandoned them.”
Donors like you help us support animals in need in all types of situations — including natural disasters like this one. Thank you for helping us help pets when they need it most!
Main Number 314-647-8800
hsmo.org
Report Animal Abuse and Neglect 314-647-4400 or 800-383-9835
Headquarters 1201 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110
Macklind Adoption Center 314-951-1562
Best Buddy Adoption Center 11660 Administration Dr. Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Best Buddy Adoption Center 314-951-1588
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
480 Josephs Rd. Union, MO 63084
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch 636-583-8759
Animal Medical Center of Mid-America
All locations 314-951-1534 or amcma.org Patients seen by appointment.
Donations 314-951-1542
Mission: Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. We provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need — large and small — that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. We are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs and our shelter pet training program. We further support that bond by making world-class veterinary care available.
The Humane Society of Missouri is an independent, non-profit organization not affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations. We do not receive tax support or United Way funding. We rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and fees for services.
Dear Friend,
As summer fades, making way for cooler days and cozy nights, I find myself reflecting on the strength and generosity of our community, especially in the face of an extraordinarily brutal summer. Time and again, your compassion shows up, powerfully and without hesitation, for animals across Missouri. I’m deeply grateful for all you do to help us protect and care for pets in crisis.
On May 16, an EF3 tornado devastated parts of the St. Louis region, leaving families, both human and animal, without homes. Thanks to your support, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force quickly mobilized, providing shelter to more than 100 displaced pets and distributing over 78,000 pounds of pet food to those affected.
Time and again, your compassion shows up, powerfully and without hesitation, for animals across Missouri.
One of those families was Arlecia and Michael Stamps, whose home was destroyed near Natural Bridge Avenue. With nowhere for their beloved pit bulls, Tina and Ike, to go, they turned to us. “It means a lot to us to be able to visit them,” Arlecia said. “Then they know we haven’t abandoned them.” Because of you, this family stayed connected, even in crisis.
Beyond our ACT team, more than 220 hours of volunteer service helped keep people and pets safe and together. You were there in every shelter stay, every bag of food, and every comforting hand.
With the change of seasons comes a renewed sense of gratitude and giving. As the holidays approach, now is the perfect time to start thinking about meaningful gifts. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a horse, pig, or even a miniature donkey of your own — but knew it wouldn’t quite fit in your living room — our Barn Buddies program is for you. When you sponsor a Barn Buddy from Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, you’re giving the animal lover in your life a one-of-a-kind gift and helping rescued farm animals get the care they need.
From natural disasters to everyday rescues, your compassion fuels it all. Thank you for being the reason hope never runs out.
With heartfelt thanks,
Kathy Warnick President Humane Society of Missouri
Paula’s New Leash on Life
In November, with your help, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued a mama pup, her litter and several other dogs from a dire situation in Polk County. We named the dog Paula. She was scared of her new surroundings and kept trying to crawl into spaces she felt safe. It took her some time to adjust to life at the shelter, but she was a good mom and cared tirelessly for her pups.
Unfortunately, finding her forever home took longer than expected. For months, Paula sat in the shelter. She became a favorite among HSMO staff and volunteers with her sweet demeanor, and it was hard to believe she kept getting overlooked. After some time, Paula got a break from the shelter environment by going to a foster home. Paula loved exploring on walks and began to open up more once she was
Her six-month milestone came and went, but we never gave up on her. And after 188 days, Paula’s forever family came to meet her. She was so excited she couldn’t hold still for her firstever family photo!
Thank you for helping give Paula the second chance she deserved.
Second Chances
St. Francois County Dogs Get a Second Chance, Thanks to You
In April, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force conducted a rescue of 16 dogs in St. Francois County. The dogs included bully breeds, German shepherds, Plott hounds and French bulldogs. Many of the females were pregnant, and the sheriff’s department suspected abuse by the property owner. Because of your dedication to helping animals in need get the second chances they deserve, our team was able to get the animals to safety and get them the medical attention they needed. Had our team not been there, these animals likely would have died, as there were already several canine skeletons still with their collars and chains on the property.
We are so grateful for your support in cases like these and could not do it without you.
You Helped Us Take a Chance on Chance the Pony
Last August, a concerned citizen reached out to Lincoln County law enforcement about a pony with severely overgrown hooves and numerous dogs running loose on a property. The owner refused to seek veterinary care, and our Animal Cruelty Task Force was notified. Because of your support, we are able to respond to calls like this one around the clock.
We named this poor pony Chance. His condition showed signs of long-term neglect. His hooves had grown so long they curled upward, and he had trouble walking. He also had an eye infection, internal parasites, and a thick, matted coat that couldn’t be clipped until he was properly bathed and groomed.
Once he arrived at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, Chance needed multiple corrective hoof trimmings, but he began to heal over time. He required pain meds as his strength returned, but each week brought hope and visible improvement.
By March, Chance had a new future. He was adopted by a family with young children, where he’ll enjoy a peaceful retirement, regular care and plenty of love.
Thank you for supporting our mission of providing second chances to any pet in need!
Made Possible by YOU!
The Sweetest Happily Ever After for Candy
In November, HSMO's Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued a dog named Candy from a hoarding situation in Cooper County. The 1-year-old Lab mix had a rough start to her life and had a hard time opening her heart and learning to trust people. After a few months in the shelter, Candy went to a foster home to gain confidence and get a break from the stress of shelter life. With the help of resident dogs and cats, Candy became more comfortable in her surroundings. She was ready for something that would’ve scared her only a few months prior: HSMO's Bark in the Park!
This big event ended up being her lucky day, as she met her forever mom and was whisked away to her happily ever after.
We couldn’t help dogs like Candy find the perfect home without your help!
You Never Gave Up on Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus’ story is one that dates back to this time last year. She and 35 other pups came to HSMO from the National Mill Dog Rescue. Many of the other dogs in her group went to their forever homes in the weeks that followed, but Stegosaurus wasn’t one of them.
She suffered from severe dental disease, and conditions like hers led to significant bone loss around her teeth. While undergoing extensive dental work, Stegosaurus’ jaw broke. Her road to recovery became even longer, as she underwent multiple surgeries to fix her jaw. But thanks to your support, we knew we couldn’t give up on her! She was able to heal in a foster home, which became her forever home nine months after her arrival in our care.
A True Trooper
of a Dog
Longtime followers of HSMO will remember the harrowing 2012 story of Trooper, a puppy who was tied to the bumper of a pickup truck and dragged down a highway for over a mile. Witnesses called the police, and HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued Trooper. His injuries were horrific, with skin torn to the muscle and multiple broken bones. It took teams of doctors to tend to his injuries, and his odds of survival were low. But because we never gave up on Trooper, he pulled through!
After more than a year of care, Trooper was able to be adopted! This special guy has continued to visit HSMO and our veterinary clinic for therapy treatments on our water treadmill over the past decade and has made appearances at several Bark in the Park events, including this year’s. He was a celebrity, greeting fans as he made his way around Tower Grove Park!
We can’t care for dogs like Trooper without the dedication of our supporters, and we are so grateful for your tireless support.
From food to litter, we're proud to support the pets of the Humane Society of Missouri.
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So Many Ways to Get Involved!
There are so many ways to get involved at the Humane Society of Missouri and support animals in need. From our affinity groups to volunteering, your support allows us to rescue more and serve more animals. Choose the way that fits you best.
Women’s Leadership Council
Join other professional women who want to make a lasting difference in the lives of abused, neglected or abandoned animals in St. Louis and Missouri. Members of the WLC help by attending our fundraising events, serving on event committees, including our annual Purses for Pooches in June of each year, and even joining other WLC members in the shelter occasionally to help our teams who care for our animals that are waiting for their forever homes. Benefits include complimentary event invitations, discounts at HSMO gift shops, raffle tickets to Purses for Pooches, an invitation to our annual holiday party and more!
Young Friends
Are you in your 20s or 30s and passionate about helping pets? Our Young Friends board and volunteers organize fun and educational events that further the HSMO mission. Activities include regular updates on what’s happening in the Humane Society of Missouri’s shelters, attending events including Spring Fling at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, Bark in the Park and Barktoberfest, and creating and sharing social media posts that help our animals find forever homes. Young Friends is a great way to meet other people who share your love of animals and your passion for helping animals in need get the second chance they deserve.
We Heard You!
All of us at the Humane Society of Missouri are deeply grateful for your completion of our annual Loyal Friends Survey. By sharing your thoughts, you’ve proven — once again — to be a dedicated friend to our community’s most vulnerable animals.
Your participation helps us determine:
Which programs you think are most needed for animals in the community.
What matters most to you as a supporter of animals.
How to engage with more animal lovers like you, so we can continue to help animals in need.
Here’s what we learned:
You ranked animal cruelty investigation (30%) and shelter services (34%) as our top two most vital community programs.
Helping to rescue needy animals is the main reason you support HSMO.
A majority (62%) of you are long-time supporters.
Our supporters are extremely generous! After animal welfare, environment and conservation were rated as “extremely important,” but a whopping 95% of you support other charities.
More than half (51%) of you have dogs, and a third of you have cats in the household!
Thank you for your loyal support — and for sharing your thoughts!
Tuesday December 2, 2025
Every donation goes towards rescuing, sheltering and rehabilitating homeless and neglected animals. Early giving is now open!
hsmo.org/givetues
Give Our Animal Friends a Free Ride!
You can donate your old car, truck, motorcycle, boat or airplane to HSMO! Donating is easy, pick-up is FREE and most vehicles are accepted. Donations may even be tax deductible!
hsmo.org/vehicle-donation • 314-951-1542
When you become a monthly donor, you provide critical support we can count on. You can make a huge impact with recurring gifts that are automatically charged on the first of each month, guaranteeing funding is always available for animals in need.
hsmo.org/humanehero 314-951-1598
Oktoberfest … for Dogs!
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company – Midtown
Tickets and info at:
hsmo.org/barktoberfest
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Children ages 5 to 11 years old are invited to our annual Deck the Howls for shelter animals event at the Humane Society of Missouri on Macklind Avenue. Wear your favorite pajamas and celebrate the howl-iday season with the adoptable dogs and cats at HSMO!
hsmo.org/deckthehowls
