You Brought Love and Care to Dogs in Need
Your heart can’t help but break when you learn how a breeder mistreated the dogs she was licensed to raise. At the same time, we want to share, with gratitude, the enormous difference you make in the lives of these innocent animals. Without your help this story could have unfolded differently.
It began on one of the hottest dog days of summer, July 27, when our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) received an urgent call that inspectors from the Missouri Department of Agriculture had discovered dogs, belonging to a licensed breeder, in dire condition.
Early the next morning, after the five-hour trek to the southwest section of Missouri, our team arrived at the property to a situation far worse than we even imagined. The gravel road leading to the kennels was washed out and overgrown with brush, making it a challenge to even get the rescue vehicles onto the property. A weak and emaciated white Boxer greeted us; timid and scared at first, he seemed to sense we were here to free him from his suffering.
A litter of three-day-old Chihuahua puppies received the immediate care they desperately needed. We rounded up dogs
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that ran loose on the property and freed others held in kennels overgrown with weeds. The dogs were infested with ticks and fleas, and their fur was matted and covered in filth. For one dog, the rescue efforts were hours too late; the team found remains of other deceased dogs on the grounds and in the kennels in various stages of decomposition. Inside the home, a three-year-old boxer, both hind legs wrapped in bandages, was carried to the rescue van.
Back in St. Louis, the dogs were triaged by the veterinary team and each dog, including the most severely wounded, was treated and put on a path to healing. Some of the animals would be cared for in our shelters for a short time and, when ready, adopted into loving homes. We watched over mom and her puppies until they were weaned and available for adoption. Other animals required surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Because of you, we have the professionally trained staff and resources to care for each of these animals. And thanks to you, we can end this tale on the happy news that all 21 dogs — Boxers, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers — rescued that day now have the second chances they deserve.
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,
After a topsy-turvy year, I can report exciting news on many fronts. After a one-year delay, we were finally able to gather and commemorate our 150th anniversary. It was wonderful to celebrate with so many of you! The gala raised money that will help us continue our mission to give second chances to abused, neglected, and abandoned animals and to strengthen the animal/human bond through education and adoption.
Here are some other accomplishments:
• We have reopened our shelters so our adopters can interact hand-to-paw, noseto-nose with the dogs, cats, and critters they may welcome into their homes. As people have discovered the importance of having a pet nearby, our adoption numbers continue to grow.
• To better prepare shelter animals for their forever homes, we have added more behaviorists and additional foster coordinators.
• Our Animal Medical Center of Mid-America clients are now able to have in-person appointments with their pet’s veterinarian.
• Our team at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch continues to care for hundreds of animals and manages to find wonderful homes for many. They welcomed Cruiser the colt to the ranch, and visitors were able to follow his first wobbly moments on baby cam at longmeadowrescueranch.org/babycam.
• The Second Chances Transport program is growing, which means animals in shelters in other parts of the country have a chance to find a loving home in the St. Louis area. Last year, we were able to welcome 1,300 adoptable animals from overcrowded shelters in rural Missouri and other states.
• We’ve welcomed children back into our buildings and have resumed our programs that teach kindness and compassion toward animals.
• Happily, we have returned to in-person events which bring animal lovers together to regale each other with stories about their four-legged friends.
With all this positive news, the hard work we do on behalf of mistreated animals continues. As the stories here illustrate, our important work is still needed, and your support makes it possible. We go where we are needed; to the scene of an accident, to a flood ravaged community, to a substandard breeder. The animals are the direct beneficiaries of your generosity.
Your unwavering support means the world to all of us and the animals we serve.
With gratitude,
Kathy W. Warnick President
Hurricane Ida: ACT to the Rescue
Your Kindness was Felt Throughout the Bayou
Even before the impact of Hurricane Ida was clear, members of our Animal Cruelty Task Force’s (ACT) Disaster Response Team were preparing to do whatever was needed in the wake of the impending storm. When the S.O.S. call came from the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, we were ready. The Disaster Response Team arrived with several hundred pounds of Purina pet food, cat litter, supplies, and volunteers to help as many animals as possible. These animals may have been left behind during their owner’s evacuation or separated from their owner due to flooding or other hazards.
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It was a herculean effort made possible by donors like you.
A Long Way Home for Journey and Cruiser
Journey. It’s a fitting name for this 20-year-old Standardbred mare whose life has been punctuated with near tragedy and trauma, rescue and recovery. Journey was headed to slaughter; her owner deemed her disposable. She was loaded into a tractor trailer with 28 other horses headed for the same tragic destiny. But on a cold, rainy October night, everything changed. The tractor-trailer carrying the horses overturned on interstate I-44 near Washington, MO.
Our Longmeadow Rescue Ranch team, in cooperation with MERS Large Animal Rescue and Franklin County law enforcement, arrived at the scene and worked through the night in rain and cold to remove the horses from the trailer, capture those that had escaped, and transport the survivors back to safety where the lengthy healing process could begin. It was a herculean effort made possible by donors like you. Unfortunately, half the horses either died at the scene or succumbed to their extensive injuries soon after the horrific accident.
Journey was among the lucky ones. Although she was severely underweight and suffered from a painful abscess under one hoof, she survived the accident with superficial injuries. Once on the mend, she underwent a routine pregnancy check via ultrasound which revealed she was pregnant. In August, she gave birth to an adorable colt named Cruiser!
Amanda Mullen, Director of Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, shares: “Journey has really been given a second chance at a happier life here at Longmeadow and I think Cruiser symbolizes that.”
During his initial veterinarian check-up, Cruiser was diagnosed with conformational abnormalities. He is sickle hocked in both hind limbs, where the hock is bowed out. He is improving and growing at Longmeadow, where he and Journey will stay until he is old enough to be weaned. At that time, both will be looking for their forever homes.
It has been a long road to recovery for Journey, but you have been there for her and her new colt Cruiser every step of the way!
continued from page 2, Hurricane Ida
During our seven-day deployment, our team headquartered in New Orleans and traveled by boat to reach some of the hardest-hit parishes. They returned to St. Louis headquarters with 37 dogs that will find new homes here. At least seven of the recovered dogs were heartworm positive and will need expensive, extended care before they are adoptable.
As sad as it is to find animals away from their home with no identifying information in a crisis situation, it is satisfying to know, because of your help, they will be well cared for here in St. Louis.
Thanks to your generosity, they are receiving the compassionate care and medical attention they need until they are able to join new forever families.
Second Chances
Days are Over!
Garrett and Leroy’s story is nothing short of a miracle…a miracle you made happen. Garrett is a Good Samaritan that found Leroy in a junkyard. The poor dog was hungry, thirsty, and alone with no shelter. Without hesitation, Garrett scooped up Leroy and took him home. As much as Garrett loved him and wanted to keep him, he knew he needed to bring Leroy to HSMO to be scanned for a microchip. Garrett was so worried and sad he might never see Leroy again.
Leroy did not have a microchip, but he was placed on hold, just in case he did have a family looking for him. Every day without fail, Garrett checked our website to see if Leroy was available for adoption.
No one came forward to claim him, so Leroy was fully vetted and neutered. And the very minute Leroy was made adoptable, Garrett came to HSMO to be reunited with him. Leroy immediately recognized Garrett, and he was so happy to be going to his “furever” home!
Thanks to your support, Leroy and Garrett have the happy ending they deserve!
It is a heartbreaking scene our investigators encounter all too often … filthy living conditions, inadequate shelter, little-to-no food or water, and suffering animals. In May, the ACT was called to assist in a hoarding situation in southwest Missouri. There were 10 dogs barely surviving in putrid, inhumane conditions. One of the dogs found on the property was Ben, a two-yearold Siberian Husky, abandoned and chained without any food, water, or shelter.
As soon as we got Ben back to HSMO, we began rehabilitating him. He was heartworm positive, in shock, and completely shut down in the shelter. He would hide in the far corner of his kennel. As hard as our staff and volunteers worked with him, he would not come out of his shell.
But everything changed when Ben met one of our Shelter Reading Buddies, Liam. Each time Liam read to Ben, he became more relaxed. Because Liam and Ben seemed to have such a good connection, Liam’s family inquired about and was approved for fostering Ben. And after a few weeks of fostering, they decided to adopt Ben! He now spends every day with his best friend Liam in his loving, forever home.
Thank you for being there for Ben! You gave him the second chance he deserves!
Windsor is the King of His Castle!
These are the happy endings you help make happen. Windsor arrived at the Humane Society of Missouri after living on the streets as a tiny, five-week-old kitten. Since he was very small and had an upper respiratory infection, he went to live with an HSMO foster family so he could gain weight and recover from his illness.
A friend of Windsor’s foster family saw a picture of him and fell in love. She knew she could give him the royal treatment and the castle he deserves. As soon as Windsor was available for adoption, she took him home. Windsor is now living his best life — he enjoys snuggles and playing fetch, and his mom thinks he is the cat’s meow.
Thank you for making Windsor’s life purrfect!
Made Possible by YOU!
a third chance! Apollo was transferred to HSMO after being found on the side of the road with a gunshot wound. Our medical team took x-rays and determined Apollo had severe nerve damage in the upper left forelimb, a fractured humerus, and shrapnel from the bullet still in his leg. Any one of these injuries could be life-threatening and almost certainly ensured Apollo would never be able to walk, run, or live without severe pain for the rest of his life.
After having been through so much, Apollo was still so loving. Our team was determined to do whatever was necessary to give Apollo a second chance, so the decision was made to amputate Apollo’s damaged leg.
The very next day following surgery, Apollo was up, eating, walking, and eager for attention. He received lots of love from our staff while he recovered from his surgery. He had his sutures removed and was soon adopted.
Apollo’s story does not stop there. It turns out Apollo needed more than just a second chance — he needed a third! His original adopters returned Apollo because their current dog did not accept Apollo into their pack. Our team went into high gear trying to find Apollo the perfect “furever” home — one that could handle the needs of a very strong, energetic loving pup who had been through so much. Our volunteers paid special attention to Apollo — knowing he needed lots of activity! Finally, Apollo went home with his perfect match and is now living his best life. Apollo even has a fur brother and the two of them have become best friends.
Sometimes our furry friends need a little extra love and care to get back on their feet — whether they end up with three or four.
Thank you for being there for Apollo every step of the way!
Happy Trails for Hyra and Rebel
Your love and support provide second chances to hundreds of animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch each year. And now, thanks to you, two former Longmeadow equine are providing second chances to people in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse!
Hyra and Rebel came to Longmeadow separately. Hyra was surrendered to Longmeadow by her owner when he could no longer provide the care his horses needed. She arrived in great condition, except for a minor physical blemish. At the coronet band, where the hoof connects to the leg, there was a long growth. Our veterinarians determined she had previously injured her coronet band, and due to the way it had healed, there was a bit of hoof growing abnormally. Although the growth was removed and healed very well, it was determined she would be a “pasture pet” due to her poor conformation. Her build was not sustainable for a long term under saddle.
Rebel came to Longmeadow from the Kentucky Humane Society. He had some training under saddle, but we discovered he had equine protozoal myelonencephalitis (EPM) when we attempted to continue his training. EPM is a disease in horses that affects the nervous and muscular systems. Due to this disease, it was determined Rebel would no longer be rideable and was made a “pasture pet.”
Although they came in to Longmeadow separately, they were adopted together and will forever share a pasture. They are now receiving so much love and attention in their forever home … and giving back to people desperately in need of a second chance.
Thank you for providing this exciting adventure to these magnificent horses!
Animal Medical Center of Mid-America
Reitz Endowment Fund Backs
Miraculous Medical Marvels Made Possible by
On June 29th, a three-month-old terrier mix named Suzy Q arrived at the Humane Society of Missouri as a transfer from SPCA of Texas. Suzy Q isn’t like most of the homeless animals that come to our shelters … both of her hind legs were paralyzed.
We don’t know why her back legs were paralyzed; it didn’t matter. Our friends at SPCA of Texas reached out to us for help. Although they did their best to help her, their medical team quickly realized the time and resources it would take to rehabilitate Suzy Q were more than they could provide. They knew we had a state-of-the-art pain management center, so Suzy Q came to the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America (AMCMA) for care. Her extraordinary will to walk is only matched by the dedication of our veterinary and shelter staff and the generosity of our donors.
Suzy Q receives several different kinds of therapies every day. She walks in an underwater treadmill, which offers highresistance, low-impact hydrotherapy where she can use her hind legs in a normal walking posture. Suzy Q also receives laser and chiropractic therapy. The laser treatments help to stimulate blood flow, endorphin release, and regenerate muscle and nervous tissue. The chiropractic therapy helps with realigning her joints and stretching and massaging her hind legs and tail. You have made this extensive regime possible.
The tenacious puppy had taught herself how to get around by putting both her hind legs to one side and scooting, dragging her bottom half along with her. Suzy Q now zips around the shelter with the help of a specifically fitted dog wheelchair that gives her mobility and helps her get used to walking independently.
Dr. Travis Arndt, Director of Veterinary Medicine, and his team, report that while she is not fully able to walk on her own yet, she has made a lot of progress in starting to use her hind legs. Sometimes she supports herself and walks, while other times she needs a staff member to move her hind legs manually in step with her front legs.
“From her attitude and personality, you’d never know she had any physical limitations — she happily hops around as though there’s nothing wrong,” Dr. Arndt reports. “She is very sweet, curious, friendly, and treat-motivated.”
It may be months before Suzy Q is able to be adopted into a loving home, but one thing is certain: your generosity is giving this sweet puppy the second chance she deserves.
IN CAT HAIR & DANDER
Shown to reduce allergens 47% on average, starting in the third week of daily feeding
Breakthrough nutrition discovered through over a decade of research
The key ingredient is a specific protein from eggs
Give a Gift that Gives Back
Sponsor a Barn Buddy!
Have you ever wanted a horse or farm animal of your very own, but couldn’t fit one in your living room? Sponsor a Barn Buddy! Your sponsorship will help feed, board, and provide medical care for all of the rescued farm animals who find a safe haven at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
For the animal lover in your life, a Barn Buddy sponsorship makes a fun and unique gift for holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, or any other special occasion. To meet our Barn Buddies and learn about the exciting new sponsorship benefits, please visit longmeadowrescueranch.org/barnbuddies or call 314-951-1542.
Unleash the Power of Your Donor-Advised Fund
A donor-advised fund lets you make a charitable contribution and receive an immediate tax break for the full donation. Then, recommend grants from the fund to your favorite charities, like the Humane Society of Missouri, over time. A grant from your donor-advised fund now can make an impact for animals throughout Missouri. Even in challenging times, our mission continues!
Visit www.plannedgiving.hsmo.org/donor-advised-funds to learn more, or contact Arthur Hailand at 314-951-1584 or ahailand@hsmo.org.
Celebrate a Special Person or Pet this Holiday Season
Honor and memorial donations are a great way to let someone know you care. And your gift will help homeless, abused, and neglected animals at the Humane Society of Missouri. To learn more about memorial and tribute gifts, including those at our Memorial Parks, please visit hsmo.org/tributes-memorials or call 314-951-1542.
Amazon Smile: You Shop. Amazon Gives to HSMO!
The holiday season is the “purrfect” time to join AmazonSmile! You can shop at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to the Humane Society of Missouri-no fees, no extra cost. To learn more, please visit hsmo.org/wishlist.
February 1st is a Special Day for Missouri Pets!
To help homeless and hurting pets in our community, we need the support of as many friends as possible: We need YOUR help to get the word out about our first-ever Day of Giving!
Every Day of Giving donation will help us rescue abused and abandoned pets, provide medical care for those that are sick and injured, and help give second chances for thousands of deserving animals.
Mark your calendar now to visit hsmo.org on Tuesday, February 1st to make a difference for homeless, abused, and neglected pets, right here in Missouri!
