Because of You, 97 Labs Were Rescued From “Horrible Hundred” Breeder
There are arguably few things cuter than a Lab puppy. Donors like you agree, responding in horror, relief and generosity as the fate of 97 Labrador Retrievers unfolded. In January, our Animal Cruelty Task Force was called to Phelps County, Missouri. We have been to this property before to remove 83 dogs from the unlicensed breeder, who was on the national “Horrible 100” list — a ranking of the worst dog breeders in the country in 2019. This time, 97 dogs, many of them puppies, needed immediate help.
Our ACT team found large dogs kept in small, cramped wire crates without consistent access to water. There were no resting surfaces for puppies to lie on and no evidence of veterinary care. Our donors responded with open hearts.
When the animals arrived at our headquarters, each dog
received veterinary care and bundles of love from our dedicated staff and volunteers. Many of the pups needed dental work, while others were treated for sores on their paws from standing on the wire bottoms of their crates for countless days. None had ever walked on a leash or played with a human companion.
Despite what they had been through, the Labs understood we were there to help. Thanks to your generosity all 97 of the dogs have found loving, forever homes.
Healthy pups were spayed/neutered and made available for adoption quickly. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, all 97 of the dogs have found loving, forever homes.
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 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,
The stories and pictures say it all. The Humane Society of Missouri has an unwavering commitment to end the cycle of animal abuse and pet overpopulation. I am forever grateful for your support of our mission. You demonstrate that every rescue, whether to save dozens of animals or just two pups, demands and deserves immediate attention.
Our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT), veterinary team and shelter staff have already been put to the test this year. They work tirelessly in the face of unspeakable conditions, knowing there are generous donors like you who care deeply about the work we do to rescue and rehabilitate these innocent animals.
This life-saving work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.
Last October, we rescued 106 dogs over three days who were all showing signs of life-threatening neglect.
Soon after, we rescued 43 starving Shiba Inu dogs from the property of a former commercial breeder in Douglas County, Missouri. It was a heart-wrenching rescue, one of the worst cases of animal neglect we’ve seen this year. Our veterinary and animal care teams worked around the clock to identify old injuries that would inform their care. Many of the dogs were extremely timid and apprehensive of human interaction. It has been a long journey to return these pups to good health so they can find kindness in loving homes.
In early January we rescued 97 Labrador retrievers from an unlicensed breeder in Phelps County — one we have visited before. I personally attended this rescue, and even though I have devoted many years of my life to animal welfare and have been on countless rescues, the conditions these pups were forced to live in were devastating. Within days, in the bitter cold, we received another report of 55 starving, unsheltered dogs. With temperatures in the single digits, the urgency was clear.
We are always ready to respond to dire situations. This life-saving work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.
Thank you for always being there for the animals and for our team.
With Gratitude,
Kathryn W. Warnick President
Join the Fight for Animal Health and Welfare
While rescues capture the headlines and our hearts, the most persistent issue in animal welfare is pet overpopulation. The number of unwanted puppies and kittens is staggering.
In just seven years, a single pair of cats and their offspring can produce a total of 420,000 kittens, and a single pair of dogs and their offspring can produce 67,000 puppies.
In 2001, the Humane Society of Missouri began the low-cost spay/neuter program called Operation SNIP - Spay/Neuter Incentive Program.
Since SNIP began, we have spayed/ neutered more than 219,000 dogs and cats, and because of this effort, we are seeing a steady decrease in the number of animals that come into our shelters.
Our mission is to help every animal that has been abandoned, neglected or abused find a loving forever home. We know that an overcrowded shelter means longer wait times for our pets to get adopted, and more stress on our animals and our staff.
Donor support is making it possible to tackle the problem of pet overpopulation while at the same time providing care and comfort to all animals in need.
You Helped Sadie Make it to the Puppy Bowl!
Do you recognize this little champion? Sadie was just a day old and weighed 4 ounces when she and 62 other Yorkie and small breed dogs were rescued on that sultry summer day. It wasn’t long before this spunky Chihuahua-Yorkie mix, all three pounds of her, made a Cinderellastyle turnaround and started living the life she deserved. Washington, MO residents Richard and Linda Meyer decided to foster her while she was still a tiny girl.
They soon learned she was also a first-round draft pick and would travel to New York to compete in Puppy Bowl XX. The annual event features canine pups from shelters across the nation. In a small model “stadium,” the pups run toys to end zones to score “touchdowns” and win the “Lombarky” trophy. After performing mightily for Team “Ruff,” Sadie was back home again in time to cheer on the KC Chiefs with her now forever family. Thank you for helping Sadie’s fairy tale come true!
Second Chances
You Gave Shy a Second Chance
A beautiful brindle pup named Shy was brought to HSMO’s Macklind shelter as a stray. He had a cough and scabs on his ears but was happy to have a soft place to curl up and sleep after being out on the streets.
Shy’s affectionate personality endeared him to everyone he met. He proved to be a smart boy and was eager to show off his “sit” and “paw” skills. Sadly, he watched people pass by his kennel day in and day out.
As he waited, a group of fraternity brothers joined our foster program and offered Shy a break from the shelter! Shy was thrilled to hang out with his new frat brothers and get so much attention.
Shy soon graduated to his forever family and is living his best life.
Love Because You Ponied Up!
Even the most experienced members of our Animal Cruelty Taskforce were devastated as they rescued six neglected and starving horses from a property in Benton County. The horses — which included two foals whose mothers had died — were malnourished and suffering from heavy loads of parasites. They were transported to Longmeadow Rescue Ranch to receive the urgent medical attention and care they needed. Veterinarians discovered two of the mares were pregnant. With exceptional care and nursing from our staff, a darling little filly named Prada arrived a few months later.
Prada’s mother, Hermès, was a protective and loving mother. Despite the neglect she had endured, she and the Longmeadow staff made sure little Prada had everything she needed for a bright future. Prada grew up friendly and playful with her human and animal friends, and when it came time, she was weaned from Hermès and was ready to take on the world! Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long. Prada’s forever family came along shortly after she was made available for adoption and fell in love with her the minute they saw her.
Because you share our mission to rescue animals in need, Prada will never again know neglect and starvation.
Thanks to you, the foster caregivers and adopter who helped Shy find his happily ever after.
Made Possible by YOU!
Hubbard Waited For 11 Months, But You Never Gave Up on Him
Hubbard was rescued in April 2023 from a hoarder’s property in Howell County. He was timid when he got to the shelter, but staff and volunteers fell in love with his gentle spirit and kind heart. Hubbard watched patiently as his rescue-mates got adopted one by one and was hopeful that his forever family would be along sometime soon. Despite being featured on social media repeatedly, his stay at the shelter continued as weeks turned into months.
Finally Hubbard made his way into a foster home. Hubbard thrived in his new loving environment and soon the foster dad’s brother fell in love with the pup and knew he had to make Hubbard a permanent family member! They made it official just a month shy of Hubbard’s one-year mark.
Thank you for helping us support animals like Hubbard — no matter how long it takes!
You Helped Give Mario His Happily Ever After
Two college students were about to start the car when they heard a faint meowing. They discovered there was a tiny kitten in the engine, too scared to move. They spent hours trying to coax the kitten out of the inner workings of the car and eventually lured the starving kitten out with treats.
Mario was filthy and scared but warmed up quickly to his rescuers. They gave him snuggles, food and a cozy place to sleep. The next day, they brought him to HSMO. Mario was given the attention and care he needed and found his forever family shortly after!
Your support helps us save kittens like Mario, and give them the second chance they deserve!
Chester’s Golden Years Will
Be His Best Yet
Chester the chihuahua was found as a puppy and lived happily with his mom for nine years. But when she passed away and other family members were unable to care for him, Chester was brought to our shelter. He was confused by his new surroundings but thrilled whenever anyone came by his kennel to see him.
His quirky, sweet temperament quickly made him a staff and volunteer favorite, and he would put a paw up when people would walk by, asking for love and attention. A photo of Chester with his paw pressed against the glass wall of his kennel went viral on social media, and he found his new forever mom.
Thanks to supporters like you, Chester’s infectious joy will continue for years to come.
From food to litter, we're proud to support the pets of the Humane Society of Missouri.
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.
70 and Over, Don’t Take Rover
Summer is here and the temperature is rising! Pet owners should keep in mind the Humane Society of Missouri’s life-saving motto: 70 Degrees & Over, Don’t Take Rover!
Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is near or above 70 degrees. In a matter of minutes, the temperature inside a car can soar past 100 degrees, regardless of whether a window is cracked or the car is parked in the shade. Once the internal temperature of a car reaches 110 degrees, your pet may only have a few minutes to survive.
Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car. Call your local police department and HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at (314) 647-4400 as soon as possible. A pet showing signs of distress, such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse, needs immediate attention.
Make sure outdoor pets always have access to shade and fresh clean water. Do not use bowls made of metal as they will become extremely hot if left out in the sun. Take frequent water breaks if walking or jogging with your dog. If you leave your pet outdoors for an extended period, make sure they have shaded areas all day. Asphalt and concrete heat up quickly. If it’s too hot to keep your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, it is too hot for a dog’s paws.
Keep pets inside when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. When it becomes too hot for pets to remain outside, bring them indoors and keep them in a safe, cool space.
Be the Life of the Party! Sponsor a Barn Buddy
Barn Buddy sponsorships make a great gift for the person who has everything. Perfect for birthdays, well-wishes and showers, your sponsorship also helps care for the animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
longmeadowrescueranch.org/barnbuddies 314-951-1565
Sept. 14, Oct.12 & Nov. 2
11p.m. – 3p.m.
Join us for free family fun at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch! Spend time with rescued farm animals, meet the world-famous Barn Buddies, watch Twister the painting horse then take a wagon ride through our 165-acre facility in Union, Missouri.
longmeadowrescueranch.org/wagondays
Save the Date Glow in the Park Returns on Friday, September 20!
Our annual Glow in the Park Balloon Glow dinner will take place in the Central Fields of Forest Park, under the auspices of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
hsmo.org/glow
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
