106 Puppies and Dogs Rescued in One Week: Your Support Means We Can Respond to All Cases of Abuse and Neglect
It was a grueling week for our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT), veterinary team and shelter staff. We rescued 106 puppies and dogs, most of which were from substandard or unlicensed breeders. Gratefully, through your support, these rescued dogs, including Boston Terriers, Poodle mixes, Labrador Retrievers and Yorkies, were taken to our two shelters for immediate care.
Here’s what happened:
On Tuesday, October 3rd , we transported 33 dogs from commercial breeding facilities in the Midwest to our Macklind headquarters at the request of the National Mill Dog Rescue.
On Wednesday, October 4th our ACT, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), rescued 38 neglected dogs from an unlicensed puppy mill in Harrison County, Missouri.
Additional rescue operations took place throughout Missouri, including Pettis, Ripley, and Perry Counties, resulting in an additional 35 puppies and dogs arriving at our shelters that same week.
Our ACT is a safety net statewide where there is little to no animal control. Our team is ready to rescue all animals from abuse to neglect. Whether there is only one animal or hundreds, our team will be there. The future was bleak for the many dogs that had been neglected. But because of you, we were able to provide shelter, routine vaccines, and spay/ neuter surgeries at our Animal Medical Centers of MidAmerica to the 106 rescued puppies and dogs…all at the same time. Your help makes it possible for them to get the second chances they deserve.
Thank you for being there for the animals in our care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
Humane Society of Missouri Directory
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,
As 2023 comes to a close, I look back on all we have accomplished this year. Expecting the unexpected is part of our DNA, and this past year has thrown us some curveballs. But despite the challenges, I am always awe-struck and grateful that your unwavering support means we can respond to animals in need.
The Best Buddy Center bore the brunt of heavy rains in the summer of 2022. Flooding left extensive damage in its wake. With an outpouring of support, we were able to return it to full capacity earlier this spring. Your generosity allowed us to make upgrades to Best Buddy to protect it from future flooding.
Because of your support, thousands of animals will start the new year in loving forever homes.
This summer, we faced fallout from the lack of rain. Drought throughout the Midwest caused the cost of hay and grain to skyrocket. This had a two-fold impact at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. Our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) responded to an influx of calls from across the state to rescue emaciated animals. At the same time, the cost to feed those animals doubled. Your support ensured that all the animals had the hay and grain necessary to restore their health.
Finally, I am so grateful for your support in completing the Rescue Center at our Macklind headquarters, allowing us to provide better care for more animals than ever. Rescues can happen at any moment and can have upwards of 100 animals. This requires HSMO to have a lot of room available at any given time. We now have a dedicated space to quarantine sick animals, two additional wards to shelter dogs and cats, and larger wards with runs to accommodate bigger breeds.
I am so grateful to you for always being here for the animals. Because of you, we helped thousands of abandoned and neglected animals find second chances at happy, healthy lives this year. Placing these animals in loving forever homes is my greatest blessing in 2023.
Thank you.
Kathryn W. Warnick
Hay Shortage at Longmeadow: Crisis Averted Thanks to Donors like You!
This year’s extreme weather impacted many of us – including the animals in our care at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. Severe drought swept across Missouri, dramatically impacting the quality and quantity of available hay. We faced rising food costs, more than double what was paid in 2022.
Longmeadow is a refuge for nearly 250 animals on any given day. Many come to us in horrific condition, nearing starvation and carrying the scars of unimaginable abuse. This summer’s drought and hay shortage led to an unprecedented influx of starving horses arriving at our facility.
How could we care for so many desperate animals during this crisis?
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, funds were secured to meet the specialized nutritional needs of every animal in our care. Animals like Riddle.
Riddle is an Arabian/Quarter horse mix that was surrendered to our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) during the peak of the hay shortage. He was immediately taken to Longmeadow to receive the nutrition and care he desperately needed. Weighing only 393 pounds upon arrival, he was so thin that he required support just to stand. He showed clear signs of neglect, including rain rot, superficial skin wounds and external parasites. We placed Riddle on a special diet that consisted of six daily feedings of alfalfa hay and soaked alfalfa cubes.
Because of you, we can assure animals like Riddle will continue receiving much-deserved, vital care and nutrition. He gained more than 200 pounds within the first weeks of his stay! He will be given all the time he needs to recover and get his second chance at a happy and healthy life. Riddle and the hundreds of animals in our care thank you for being here for them, no matter what resources are required or how much time it takes. This lifesaving work could not happen without you!
Thank you for keeping the animals at Longmeadow safe, sheltered and fed as they wait for their forever homes!
Riddle — June 2023
Riddle — August 2023
Second Chances
Natasha’s Happy Tail
Natasha came to us as a stray back in April. We were sure this beautiful, happy girl would have no trouble finding a new home. Little did we know, she already had a home! Natasha had been missing for over a year when her owner saw the dog’s picture on our website. She couldn’t believe her eyes and rushed to the shelter to be reunited. Natasha was overjoyed to finally be found! Your love and support means dogs like Natasha always have somewhere to go. And thanks to you, are given all the time needed to find their forever families.
Thank you for supporting the journey of lost and found animals like Natasha!
Dior’s Luxurious New Life
Dior was rescued from Benton County along with five other horses. They came to us covered in burrs, carrying parasites and nearing starvation. We knew they had a long road to recovery.
Dior had a patient and gentle demeanor despite what she had been through. Our trainer evaluated her, and realized this mare was a diamond in the rough. She was easy to handle, calm in the saddle, and overall, a perfect horse!
One of our riding students had been working with the trainer for some time, patiently waiting for the right horse to arrive. When she met Dior, it was love at first sight. They spent additional time together and it became clear they were a perfect match. Nearly five months after her rescue, Dior was loaded onto the trailer and on her way to a forever home.
After years of neglect, Dior finally got a much-deserved luxury rebranding. Her family continues to pamper and shower her with love.
Thank you for supporting Dior and the other farm animals at Longmeadow!
Sunny and Percy’s Dog Days are Over!
Sunny and Percy spent eight years together as a bonded pair. Neither of the senior dogs did well when they were brought to the shelter. A host of ailments including dental decay and respiratory infections kept landing each of them in lengthy quarantines. Although their prognosis was good, the separation was taking a toll. Staff became increasingly worried as each one withdrew, at times refusing to eat or interact with humans. It was clear they needed to be placed in a home together as soon as possible.
Then something miraculous happened … A sweet couple came into our shelter and fell in love with Sunny and Percy! Separating the pair was unthinkable, so they opened their hearts and homes to both dogs. Thanks to you, the two are now thriving with their new family.
Thank you for being there for shelter animals through every step of their journey!
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Cape was rescued from a hoarding situation along with 31 other kittens and cats. She was suffering from a severe case of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infection. It would take nearly 10 weeks of continuous care before she could breathe comfortably.
Bunny is no Junkyard Dog!
attention while recovering.
decided Cape had already
Thank you for helping Cape find her purrrfect home!
Is one man’s trash another’s treasure? Bunny is proof that every neglected and abandoned animal can have a happy ending. This pup had been discarded like trash in a city dumpster. Our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) rushed to the scene and transported Bunny back to our St. Louis shelter. Fortunately, the ACT arrived before temperatures became deadly.
Bunny spent a short month in our care before she could be adopted. But she did not spend much time with us after becoming available! Her new owner was immediately smitten and took her home the very same day.
Thank you for giving Bunny a second chance at life!
Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
owners.
PUPDATE: One of Our Biggest Rescues of the Year
A
Second Chance and Homes for the Holidays!
In early June our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) rescued 63 Yorkshire terriers, yorkie mixes and other small breeds from a hoarding situation in Franklin County. They ranged in age from newborn puppies to senior dogs, and they were frightened, filthy and full of parasites. Such a large group of animals would have varied needs requiring in-depth evaluations and specialized care. Your support made it possible for us to take on the challenge of caring for all 63 puppies and dogs at the same time.
State-of-the-art veterinary treatments including medicines, dental care, prescription diets, life-saving procedures and spay/neuter surgeries were provided by our shelter staff and veterinary team at our Animal Medical Centers of Mid-America. Many of the dogs were unsocialized and our staff spent hours slowly introducing them to gentle interaction with humans. It was a significant, organization-wise endeavor that could not have happened without you!
Because of you, we were able to take the time to find the right fit for each pup. Your support continues to bring comfort and joy to so many animals and their newfound families!
Thank you for giving these animals a much-deserved second chance!
35 Degrees and Below? Protect Fido!
Freezing temperatures and winter weather have arrived! It’s tempting to think your pet’s fur will keep them warm while they’re outside. But remember – if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet!
Here are a few tips to ensure that your pet is safe during the cold winter months:
Bring Your Pet Inside. Wind chill makes the air colder than the actual temperature reading. Limit your pet’s time outdoors to prevent frostbite on ears, tail, and paws.
Beware of Antifreeze. Antifreeze collects on pavement. It can smell and taste good to pets but is highly poisonous and lethal. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, don’t wait to contact your veterinarian!
Dry off Wet Pets. Dry your pet after it’s been in the rain or snow and clean your pet’s paws. Rock salt, sand, and chemicals used to melt ice can become embedded in paws, causing pain.
Provide Adequate Shelter. This means a doghouse that is insulated and draft-free. The opening should face south and have a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy wind from entering. Insulate doghouses with cedar chips instead of towels or blankets, which easily dampen and make the space colder.
Watch for Hypothermia. Warning signs include strong shivering, trembling, rapid or labored breathing, and lethargy. Ears, paws, and skin may be extremely cold to the touch. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring them inside right away! Dry pets off with a towel and warm them with a blanket. If they continue to show signs of stress, call your veterinarian or our Animal Medical Center of Mid-America immediately at 314-951-1534.
February 13, 2024 — Mark Your Calendars
HSMO’s 3rd Annual Day of Giving returns! Donations from this vital fundraiser will give second chances to needy animals across Missouri. Hear incredible rescue stories and make your gift by visiting our website on the Day of Giving – February 13, 2024!
HSMO.org/DOG
Looking for a meaningful gift? Want to support the animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch? Barn Buddy sponsorships have you covered!
Sponsorships start at $60 and include a plush animal replica. We ship to your home, or directly to the gift recipient!
Orders must be received by December 14 for holiday delivery.
Longmeadowrescueranch.org/barnbuddies
314.951.1542
Unleash the Power of Your Donor-Advised Fund
Make a charitable contribution through a donor-advised fund and receive an immediate tax break for your full donation. The funds can then be granted to your favorite charities, like HSMO!
Plannedgiving.HSMO.org 314.951.1519
Secret Santa for Shelter Pets
Not every animal has a home for the holidays. But YOU can make their days merry by providing an item from our wish list!
To play Santa, scan the QR code and have items shipped directly to the animals in our care.
