Humane Society saving animals

A volunteer with Pilots N Paws (left) greets two pit mix puppies and a local volunteer gives love to two others. Three of the dogs recently were transported from Rector to Sarasota, Fla., where they were quickly adopted by folks ready to give them a home.

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Adoptions have been low and donations are small and few, organizers say, but they point out CCHS is not alone. Shelters from many small communities and rural areas are suffering with an overpopulation problem and a lack of concern from officials and many pet owners.

Kindred Spirits Animal Rescue Center in Fairdealing, Mo., also has seen a decline in adoptions and an increase in the pets being dropped by owners. KSARC and CCHS recently combined forces to save as many pets as possible from certain death.

With the help and support from Pilots N Paws and the Sarasota County Humane Society in Sarasota, Fla., three dogs were flown to safety and into new loving homes. Two of the three were pit mix puppies that would have been impossible to adopt out since many of the towns in this area have breed restriction laws. Krista, Remmington and Yoplait were placed in new homes within just a few days of their arrival in Florida.

The next transport was accomplished on short notice. Following the huge ice storm, the dogs at animal control were left in bad shape. Several puppies died because of the weather conditions and the rest were in need of warm homes and urgent medical attention.

Tails Humane Society and their friends at area rescues were able to take all 10 remaining dogs into their facility. KSARC and CCHS Transported Maytag, Woody, Harley, Drexel, Yin, Daffiny, Prue, Woopie, Twinkie and Josephine to Troy, Ill., where volunteers from Tails were waiting with open arms.

The cost of these transports can be costly with fuel, vaccinations and health certifications necessary for the transfer from state to state. KSARC and CCHS are struggling to obtain grants and funding for these programs, as well as for adequate facilities to house these pets while awaiting adoption or transfer to other facilities.

In light of financial strain and lack of adoptions, CCHS and KSARC are focusing the major part of funds and energy on the relocation of these animals.

To assist these shelters in maintaining this program and to keep helping these animals, support from local residents is urgently needed. Donations may be sent to: Clay County Humane Society, P.O. Box 582, Piggott, AR 72454. The CCHS website address is: www.myspace.com/claycountyhs

The address for Kindred Spirits Animal Rescue is: HC 73 Box 2935, Fairdealing, MO 63939, 573-857-3218.

"You can also help feed these pets while saving money," said a CCHS spokesman. "Go to www.giveabowl.com, fill out a short survey, enter one of the zip codes above and click on the link for CCHS or KSARC. You will get a $4 off coupon for any Purina brand pet food and the shelter will get $1 to help feed the homeless pets."

CCHS also is offering "I AM A VOICE!" wrist bands. Those interested may send a note with their information and write on the top "wrist band." The information may be mailed with a $5 donation to P.O. Box 582, Piggott, AR 72454.

"We will notify you as soon as they arrive," said the spokesman.