About 14 years ago, a tri-colored collie mix showed up on the doorstep of the Humane Society of Pulaski County (HSPC). Luigi — as he was soon to be named — was fearful and distrusting of everyone. After he’d been at the shelter for a few months, a woman going through a difficult time in her life saw his photo on a sponsorship poster for HSPC’s Reigning Cats and Dogs fundraiser. Though warned of his issues, the woman saw something very special in Luigi and knew they were meant to be companions. This same woman soon started volunteering at HSPC, as Luigi was a constant reminder that there were an abundance of great pets at the shelter worth giving another chance.
The woman was Debbie Howell, a technical theatre teacher at Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School, who 14 years later remains a steadfast HSPC volunteer. Her experience has truly come full circle, as this year she’s serving as chair of HSPC’s upcoming Reigning Cats and Dogs fundraiser. Luigi, who turned out to be one of the most devoted and loving dogs she’d ever owned, passed away about a year ago. “But his memory will always be my motivation to make a difference in the lives of animals like him,” Howell says.
Love Letters
There are lots of animals at HSPC like Luigi. The number varies, but Howell says the shelter rescues and rehabilitates around 900 animals a year, a staggering statistic that includes cats, dogs and even donkeys and horses. In fact, the society operates a horse farm near Redfield that currently houses 20 rescued horses – animals like 5-year-old grade horse Rosco.
Born with juvenile cataracts, Rosco had very little vision during the day and even less at night. He was rescued in a state of extreme malnourishment, along with his pasture companion. Due to an untreated injury, the companion horse did not survive the ordeal, but Rosco lived in an HSPC facility for four years until the perfect owner finally found him.
Todd is a visually impaired man who has been around horses his entire life. When he heard about Rosco, he immediately felt a connection because he knew what it was like to live in a world with unseen obstacles. Todd soon set out on a two-month mission preparing his property to be a safe haven for a nearly blind horse.
According to HSPC’s veterinarian Dr. Teresa Medlock, the meeting of Todd and Rosco was extremely moving. Rosco was immediately drawn to Todd, whose experience with horses allowed him to handle Rosco comfortably. And although neither Todd nor Rosco could see it, Dr. Medlock claims the two rode home into the most spectacular sunset.
And then there’s Grace, a 4-year-old German shepherd mix who had been starved and beaten with a shovel by her heartless owner until a conscientious neighbor reported the abuse. After being rescued by HSPC, Grace recovered but will always be dependent on medication to prevent the seizures she endures as a result of permanent head trauma.
But there’s a happy ending to this heart-wrenching story. More than a year after her rescue, Grace’s previous owners were brought to justice and, when Jennifer discovered her, Grace found the forever home she had always deserved.
Jennifer has been an animal lover her entire life. While in Iraq last year, she fell in love with the military’s German shepherd working dogs. After she returned to the U.S., she noticed an article in the paper on Grace’s case.
“I read it and felt a myriad of emotions,” Jennifer says, “sorrow for her; anger toward the offenders; and appreciation for those who not only treated and cared for her, but fought for justice for her. I felt shame and sorrow that a fellow human could be so heartless and cruel. But most of all, I felt a desire to take Grace and love her and spoil her and try to make up for all the abuse she had endured in her short life. I wanted to love the pain out of her memory.”
67 Years of Compassion
These are just two of the thousands of touching success stories HSPC has collected over the years. Each unique account further underscores the 67-year-old shelter’s unmatched commitment to animals.
A private shelter, HSPC’s mission is to “rescue, rehabilitate, provide veterinary care, spay/neuter and find loving homes for rescued and abused dogs, cats and horses.”
“Because we are a private shelter (with no national affiliation) we don’t receive government or city funding,” says Howell. “We exist purely on donations, honorariums and memorials from the warm-hearted people in our community, the occasional grant and [proceeds from] fundraisers like Reigning Cats and Dogs. We are in constant need of financial support.”
Another characteristic that distinguishes HSPC from some other shelters is its no-kill policy. “We do not euthanize treatable animals in our care,” Howell clarifies. “We believe there is a home for every animal in our trusted care, and every home benefits from a rescued pet. We have many animals that are with us for various reasons, but it is our hope that the second chance we provide will undo any wrongs they may have experienced.”
Operating under a 10-member board of directors elected by members of the organization, HSPC employs a full-time, on-site veterinarian, supervisors and kennel staff, who also act as educators in schools and the community by informing the public about the humane treatment of animals.
The organization’s adoption van, donated by the Janice Ireland Memorial Trust, makes frequent appearances in the community, bringing animals out of the shelter and closer to the public. This writer’s workplace once hosted a “puppy party” with HSPC, during which several adoptable puppies were brought to the workplace via the van in exchange for an hour of puppy playtime and much-needed supplies, like pet food and leashes. (See sidebar for more HSPC needs).
HSPC has even been integral in enacting key legislation, like the ban of decompression chambers for euthanasia in shelters; the Arkansas Retail Pet Store Consumer Protection Act; felony offense for dog fighting; mandatory spay/neuter; and the Arkansas Felony Animal Cruelty Law.
Through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Correction, HSPC recently joined the Paws in Prison initiative, a unique program in which selected offenders have the opportunity to train rescue dogs. “Inmates teach the dogs basic obedience skills and properly socialize them, making them more adoptable,” Howell explains. “Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter and put up for adoption. We currently have three dogs in the program: Cory, Willy and Hank the Tank.”
Party Animals
Because HSPC relies solely on donations to operate, fundraisers like Reigning Cats and Dogs are an integral part of the organization’s success. Proceeds from Reigning help cover the costs associated with maintaining an on-site spay/neuter clinic, as well as emergency veterinary services. “Sick, injured and abused animals are a high priority for us, so our veterinary costs are significant,” Howell says.
In its 21st year, Reigning is HSPC’s oldest fundraiser, says Development Director Michelle Ketzscher. This year’s Vegas-themed event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Next Level Events. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door and $75 to attend a special champagne preview party at 6 p.m.
The guests of honor (shelter dogs) will arrive in their own private limo, courtesy of Emeritus Senior Living at Chenal Heights, after spending the day at Doggie Do’s getting primped and pampered.
Two-legged guests will groove to the sounds of Bass & Brown and enjoy wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres as they peruse almost 300 amazing silent auction items. A live auction will feature once-in-a-lifetime experiences and items, including two South African Photo Safaris; a wine pairing and dinner for six at SO Restaurant; a dinner for five at Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse; paintings from artists Stephano, John Deering and Sandy Hubler; a diamond ring from J. Oliver’s; and more. Patrons may also try their luck in a “prize every time” wine raffle, or sponsor a shelter animal at the sponsorship table.
An online auction component (Oct. 28-Nov. 7) will also be added this year, bringing the financial goal to more than $70,000. “Virtual” guests may bid on more than 100 items online here. “We’re super excited about [the online component] this year, and if it’s successful we plan to do it again next year,” says Ketzscher.
In addition to Reigning, HSPC raises money through membership drives, summer dog washes, “barking lot” sales, pet photos with Santa, the annual day planner project and more. Copies of the 2014 HSPC Day Planner will be available for purchase at Reigning.
Reigning Cats and Dogs
When: 7-10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Next Level Events
Tickets: $50 in advance; $60 for general admission at the door; $75 for a champagne preview party at 6 p.m.
Info: 227-6166, WarmHearts.org
Gayle Gets a Forever Home
Gayle was a 10-year-old border collie mix who had spent most of her life at the shelter. She was timid, fearful and overlooked until Joe and Susie found her.
“Going to a shelter with all the animals is an overwhelming experience with so many to choose from,” Susie says. “We wanted an older dog; one that always got passed over, one all the workers knew was a great dog but did not get that special forever home that it deserved. A shelter volunteer overheard our conversation and introduced us to Gayle, who is now the light of our life.
We now call her Go-Go-Gayle because she has come out of her shell and loves to go with us everywhere, including our office and on trips. We are so thankful to the Humane Society and the wonderful volunteers for all they did for our Gayle when she was there. She has been a blessing in our life.”