One of the Country’s Most Notorious Breeders Shut Down, Thanks to Your Support!
Within 50 days of each other, our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) rescued nearly 150 dogs from substandard breeders from Hickory and Douglas Counties who would have liked prospective buyers to think they were purchasing a perfect pet. While the puppies did look adorable, most of these rescued dogs, especially the adults, carried emotional scars and health issues that would take months to heal.
Your generosity meant dogs from Standard Poodles to Yorkies all received the medical care they needed and a safe haven until they were ready to be adopted. Happily, every one of the 97 dogs rescued from Hickory County is now in a loving home.
The Douglas County rescue was a victory on several levels. This substandard breeder has been featured in national media as an example of why Missouri consistently ranks as the worst state in the country for puppy mills. For six consecutive years, the owner was infamously named to the “Horrible Hundred,” a national list that ranks the worst dog breeders in the country.
HSMO was asked to attend the breeder’s court case by the Missouri Department of Agriculture where the judge would rule on a future for the kennel.
The Canine Cruelty Prevention Act (CCPA) enacted in Missouri now gives regulators more tools to deal with substandard breeders. Imagine our joy and relief when the judge found the defendant in contempt of 2020 consent judgment and ordered the dog removed immediately.
Our ACT team found deplorable conditions at the kennel when they arrived to remove the dogs. Females had been bred their entire lives — one litter right after the other. Puppies were crammed into small cages with wire floors and little headroom. What was equally heartbreaking was their mental condition. Many of the adult dogs and puppies were so traumatized by their neglect that they were terrified of humans.
Because of your support, we could bring these dogs to safety where our veterinary team and shelter staff could tend to the infections, open wounds and matted coats.
Each dog will get the care and attention it needs to become a loving companion for some lucky adopter. This joy is made possible by you.
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 636-583-8789
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 available world-class veterinary care.
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 Friends,
This letter finds me filled with gratitude. The generosity of our donors, the dedication of our affinity groups, and the time and commitment of our many volunteers exceed anything I have witnessed in my 20 plus years as the leader of this wonderful organization.
We put every precaution in place to keep our two and four-legged friends healthy and safe so we could again come together in person. Let’s face it, we are animal lovers through and through, and nothing brings us more joy than swapping stories about our beloved pets.
“Through
your generous donations, you made second chances possible for the hundreds of dogs we rescued in McDonald, Hickory, and Douglas Counties.”
That joy was on full display when we came together for our delayed 150th anniversary celebration. Almost 450 friends of HSMO gathered at the Ritz-Carlton for a celebratory evening that raised an astonishing $420,000. These funds will help in our mission to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. We are so appreciative of everyone who donated auction items, attended the event and showed their support for our mission!
We have been able to add behaviorists and additional foster coordinators to help with the transition into a forever home. These resources made possible through your support have allowed us to grow our adoption program.
You have been there with and for us as we tackle the transgressions of substandard breeding facilities. Through your generous donations, you made second chances possible for the hundreds of dogs we rescued in McDonald, Hickory, and Douglas Counties.
By funding the pet transport program, you made it possible for us to reach out to our neighbors in Kentucky to relieve overcrowded shelters in the aftermath of the devastating December tornadoes.
I am so grateful for your support of our horses and farm animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. Not only have you supported our rescues, but you have provided the funding for extended care. Journey and Waffle (see related story) arrived at the Ranch pregnant. Your financial assistance carried us through the prenatal care to the moments the foals took their first wobbly steps. You made it possible to keep moms and foals together until they were weaned.
I am filled with such gratitude for your generous and kind support. We truly believe these efforts on behalf of animals make our region a better place for all of us. Clearly you do, too. Thank you!
With gratitude,
Kathy W. Warnick President
Hickory County Rescue: Meet Humphrey
Humphrey was one of 96 dogs rescued in October of 2021. The majority were locked in small kennels, inside a dark building filled with the pungent smell of urine at a formerly licensed breeder in Hickory County, Missouri. Years of neglect left him feeling anxious and fearful. It has taken extra time and attention for him to come out of his shell and heal from his traumatic experiences.
It was with the outpouring of community support we were able to provide veterinary care and shelter to all 96 dogs while they recovered and waited for their forever homes.
This was the largest rescue of 2021 for the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force. With support from donors, we are able to investigate cases of abuse from across Missouri and with the assistance from the state, remove animals as needed.
Thank you for being there for animals in need across Missouri!
Happy Trails for Longmeadow Mares and Foals!
This is a story about four happy endings. You have been part of their stories every step of the way and make those endings possible. But let us start at the beginning.
In the fall of 2020, Waffle, a bright, adorable mini-horse, and Journey, a 20-year-old bay Standardbred mare arrived at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch under strikingly different circumstances.
Waffle suffered from severe neglect, her mane and fur so thick with burs she couldn’t even lay down. Journey was rescued from a horrific, rainy-night accident on Interstate 44 in late 2020. She was among roughly two dozen horses that were being transported to slaughter when the accident occurred.
Both found a safe haven at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, got the medical care they needed, and got the kindness they deserved. And both, it was discovered, were pregnant when they arrived.
Waffle gave birth to a girl or filly, Maple, in May. Things were rough at first. Veterinarians at Homestead Veterinary Hospital recommended both Waffle and her filly be transferred immediately to the University of Missouri for emergency care. Fortunately, Maple improved with antibiotics, blood transfusions, and excellent care.
Journey’s age and the trauma she experienced during the accident made her pregnancy high risk. In August, she delivered an adorable boy, or colt, that was named Cruiser. This high-quality care was possible because of you.
Waffle and Maple have been adopted and Cruiser and Journey are enjoying their time at the ranch. That is four happy endings because there are people like you that believe in second chances!
Waffle Journey
High-quality care was provided to all four horses because of you.
Transforming Lives: One Tail at a Time
In Fiscal Year 2021, the Humane Society of Missouri:
Placed 7,731 cats, dogs, critters, and ranch animals in forever homes.
716 animal care, enrichment, and dog walking volunteers logged 16,826 volunteer hours.
Conducted 30,635 client visits through our AMCMA veterinary clinics.
Performed 8,981 spay/neuter surgeries.
Traveled 352,424 miles to conduct 9,461 responses to reports of abuse and neglect involving 17,587 animals.
180 foster parents provided care for 950 animals.
Reached thousands of children and adults through our humane and character education programs.
Volunteers provided 21,625 days of foster care to shelter animals.
0% euthanasia rate for reasons of time or space.
Allocated 80.17% of every dollar toward program services.
Traveled 12,507 miles making 39 trips to transport 1,396 animals to HSMO from partner shelters for rehabilitation and adoption.
Returned 696 animals to their owners.
Found forever homes for 100% of adoptable animals.
Adopted 229 animals from Longmeadow Rescue Ranch; 67 of those were equines.
ACT removed 1,066 animals from abusive or neglectful environments
Provided 3,635 Operation SNIP low and no-cost spay/ neuter procedures.
Provided 305 extenuating medical or surgical procedures on animals prior to adoption.
Animal Cruelty Task Force on call 24/7/365 in all 114 counties of Missouri.
Second Chances
Your love and support provide second chances to hundreds of animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch each year … including potbellied pigs! Stella was born at Longmeadow in August of 2019 and sadly was the only surviving piglet of her litter. Her mother, who was rescued not long before Stella was born, was not able to produce milk. Our staff knew Stella was in dire condition and, in the middle of the night, drove her to Mizzou for emergency veterinary care. She was septic and received intensive around the clock care, including bottle feeding every couple of hours. Thanks to your love and support, Stella got the care she needed and recovered. Soon enough she was able to be adopted into a loving home.
Today, Stella is THRIVING! Her adopter is a therapist and Stella helps her at work by making their clients feel more comfortable. When clients’ feelings become too intense, they can look at pictures and videos of Stella. She has also become a bit of an Instagram star with her own page, @stella_got_her_grove_.
Thank you for being there for Stella! Your love allows her to have a positive impact on our community!
PUPdate: Suzy Q
Lap of Luxury!
Rescued in the summer of 2021, she was one of 21 dogs rescued living in horrendous conditions with a substandard breeder in McDonald County, Missouri. Thanks to your continued support, our Animal Cruelty Task Force was able to remove her from those deplorable conditions and give her the care she desperately needed.
When she arrived at HSMO, she was terribly underweight and was suffering from intestinal parasites. Our team provided medical treatment for worms, helped her gain weight, and got her spayed so she would be ready for adoption. After recovering, it wasn’t long before she was made available for adoption.
When her adopter Chris saw her, he knew she deserved the royal treatment. Chris already owned a boxer named Duke, and he was hoping to have another noble dog in his castle. Duchess now lives a pampered life with her brother. Her days are full of trips to the office with her adopter, long walks, and naps on only the comfiest of blankets.
Thank you for giving Duchess the opportunity to enjoy her regal new life!
Suzy Q, the medical transfer from Texas SPCA, has been making steady progress. She has increased the use of her hind legs and can walk without support in the underwater treadmill for up to 30 minutes. She continues to receive laser treatments, chiropractic adjustments, several acupuncture treatments, and exercises on a vibration plate, which helps strengthen her muscles and her coordination. Suzy Q is a growing puppy and her muscles have not gotten to the point where she can stand and support herself for more than a few minutes. For this reason, she does continue to use and enjoy her mobility cart.
With your support, we can provide second chances for animals like Suzy Q!
Made Possible by YOU!
This sweet cat was brought into HSMO after he was found living as a stray in St. Louis County. While living in the shelter, he was treated for alopecia and a parasite. After recovering from his infections, it did not take him long to find a new home. Ron Purrgandy is now settling into his new life like a news anchor at their dream station!
He now has two furry sisters — a dog and a cat — and a human sister, whom he adores! His mom states, “He spends all day creating chaos and playing, but when he wants to snuggle he will let you know.”
Thanks to your support Ron Purrgandy is now the “purrfect” anchorman!
Our own Mickey Rourke
While he might not be a leading actor, this guy definitely has star potential! In September, HSMO was deployed to Louisiana following Hurricane Ida at the request of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Our team headquartered in New Orleans and traveled by boat to reach some of the hardest-hit parishes. They returned to St. Louis with 37 dogs that would find forever homes here, and Mickey Rourke was one of them.
This fun-loving boy spent time with our behavior team that taught him some puppy manners. All that hard work paid off and in late November, after being with us for almost two months, Mickey Rourke found his forever home and is now the star of the show!
Thank you for giving Mickey Rourke the leading role in his new life!
Fran’s New “Leash” on Life
Fran’s second chance was nothing short of a miracle … made possible by you! She came into the Humane Society of Missouri as a stray with many health issues. She had a terrible skin infection, which resulted in hair loss, as well as being incredibly fearful. But we are here to find furrever homes for our adoptable pets, no matter what, thanks to your loving support! Fran spent two months at HSMO — our veterinary team provided treatments for her skin infection. Our animal behaviorists spent time helping Fran gain confidence and become less fearful. And right before Christmas, Fran got adopted!
Thank you for making a PAWSitive difference in Fran’s life!
130 years of enriching communities.
Northern Trust is proud to support the Humane Society of Missouri. For more than 130 years, we’ve been meeting our clients’ financial needs while nurturing a culture of caring and a commitment to invest in the communities we serve. It’s all part of being a good neighbor.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Clint Zweifel , President & CEO Northern Trust Missouri 190 Carondelet Plz. Ste. 100 cz25@ntrs.com; 314-505-8300 northerntrust.com
Thank You Volunteers
HSMO’s Volunteers are “Pawsome”
We absolutely could not do our work or fulfill our mission without the constant support of HSMO volunteers. Our dedicated volunteers are here rain or shine, holidays and even throughout the pandemic making sure the animals in our care get the love and attention they need to find their forever homes.
While they live in our shelters, dogs and cats enjoy plenty of socialization and daily walks to help heal the trauma and reduce the stress they have endured. With the generous gift of time, 716 animal care, enrichment and dog walking volunteers logged 16,826 volunteer hours.
Thank you, also, to the 313 families that opened their hearts and homes to foster dogs, cats, puppies and kittens on their adoption journey. You give them the added ingredient of love to ensure a smooth transition to a forever home. You invested an incredible amount of time —11,386 hours — in teaching animal etiquette to ensure second chances are successful. We thank you and we are sure their new families are thanking you, too.
In all, volunteers provided nearly 45,000 hours in service of our mission over the last year. Thank you for helping to transform lives ... one tail at a time!
Making a Difference for St. Louis Pets: HSMO’s Women’s Leadership Council
We are immensely grateful for the support and dedication we receive from the community and the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) is leading the pack by providing second chances to animals at HSMO. The WLC is a group of professional women who are dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of abused, neglected or abandoned animals in St. Louis and Missouri. This group has a goal of raising $150,000 this year alone, and since the group started they have raised nearly $1.5 million for our four-legged friends!
This year the WLC is helping us tackle one of the most critical animal welfare issues: pet overpopulation. Funds will support Operation SNIP, our low-cost spay/neuter program. This program is available to all pet owners throughout the state of Missouri and has drastically reduced the number of unwanted puppies or kittens. We are so grateful to the Women’s Leadership Council for raising much-needed funds to provide lowcost spay/neuter surgeries during this critical time.
The Future Looks Bright for HSMO, Thanks to Our Young Friends
The Young Friends of HSMO is a group of young professionals who are passionate about helping pets. The Young Friends volunteer with the animals and host special events to promote HSMO. Each year they work hard to provide 1,000 volunteer hours and raise vital funding.
This year the Young Friends chose to support our foster program with the funds they will raise during their events. In 2021, this group created several new events and continues to develop relationships with their loyal corporate partners. We are so grateful for their enthusiasm and creativity! From Barktoberfest to Hounddog Holiday Trivia Night, our Young Friends work hard to provide second chances to animals while having a howling good time!
Thank you for your time, for your creativity and your commitment to the Humane Society of Missouri and the animals we serve.
From food to litter, we're proud to support the pets of the Humane Society of Missouri.
Mark Your Calendars for May 5!
Give STL Day is back and we hope you will continue to support HSMO and our mission to give second chances to animals in need. Every donation will support animals as they wait for their forever homes.
Be sure to visit hsmo.org on May 5 to make a difference for homeless, abused, and neglected animals, right here in Missouri!
On April 23 Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri will host its Spring Fling. Enjoy wagon rides, riding demonstrations, the Barn Buddies, adoptable horses and farm animals, food trucks and more at this fun, open house event. For more info, visit www.hsmo.org/fling.
Purses for Pooches will be back in person on Thursday, June 23 at HSMO’s Macklind Avenue Headquarters. Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while perusing dozens of designer purses to be raffled off that evening. Visit www.hsmo.org/purses for more information.
Cleaning your Garage this Spring?
If you are cleaning out your garage or barn and do not know what to do with an old car, boat or tractor, let HSMO help! Donating a vehicle to HSMO is an easy and cost effective way to kick off your Spring Cleaning! Donating is super simple, pick-up is FREE and most intact and complete vehicles are accepted.
For more information, please visit hsmo.org/vehicle-donation or call 314-310-1744.
Bark in the Park
Bark in the Park is back! Join us on May 21 in Forest Park for the largest pet walk and festival in the Midwest! Activities include a 5K Race, 1-Mile Walk, a Festival for the Animals including the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team, a fun-filled kids area, agility course, pet-related vendors, Barn Buddies from Longmeadow Rescue Ranch and much more! For more event details and registration information, visit www.hsmo.org/bark.
