Humane Society of the Ozarks needs homes, volunteers!

Hello All!

This article ran yesterday in the Northwest Arkansas Times. If you'd like to read the article in it's original format, click here. There are always dogs in need of homes and rescues in need of volunteers. It sounds like the woman who ran this rescue got in over her head. I can imagine it's hard to say no to a dog in need when you run a rescue. So, if you have some spare space in your heart and your home for another dog, contact the Humane Society of the Ozarks. And, if you can't help out by providing a forever home for a dog, maybe you can spare some time to volunteer.

ANDY SHUPE Northwest Arkansas Times

Maggie and Max, two mixed-breed dogs, are among 45-50 dogs rescued
from a residence in Crawford County by the Humane Society of the Ozarks
and will be available for adoption.

Homes sought for 45 dogs

BY KATE WARD Northwest Arkansas Times

The Humane Society of the Ozarks is seeking homes for about 45 large-breed dogs in Crawford County.

Carmen Nelson, Humane Society director, said the dogs were being cared for at a rescue shelter.

"We got a call from a concerned citizen in Crawford County, who reported that a local rescue had quite a few dogs and wasn't able to care for them all," she said. "We contacted the owner, and she was more than cooperative and eager for the Humane Society to assist her."

During her first assessment of the site in March, Nelson counted more than 65 dogs. They shared a large indoor/outdoor kennel, along with 10 dog runs divided into two sections. The dogs were grouped in each area based on temperament.

So far, about 20 dogs have been placed into adoption. Now, more than 40 hounds, black shepherd mixes, labs and flat-coated retriever mixes, between age 1-5, are in need of homes.

"Statistically, black dogs in shelters are the last to be adopted," she said. "We don't know why, but we do know that these are wonderful dogs. My biggest plea is that we find more foster homes for them."

Though Crawford County is not in the Humane Society's jurisdiction, Nelson said the rescue owner was desperate for help. The organization, she said, only assists other jurisdictions in extreme situations.

"Crawford County has no animal shelter, humane society or animal control," she said. "The owner of this rescue loves animals and had been taking them in over the years. Her property had become a local dumping ground for dogs. Eventually, it became too much for her to handle."

The Humane Society of the Ozarks is a local, nonprofit organization dedicated to the humane treatment of animals in Washington County and the surrounding region. The organization is funded with contributions by area donors, businesses, grants, special fundraising events and the annual dues paid by its members.

"Right now, we are really desperate," Nelson said. "The volunteers and I are driving out to Crawford County at least twice a week right now to help feed and clean. We'd really appreciate any help we can get from local volunteers or civic groups. It's about three hours round trip."

For more information, volunteer opportunities or to obtain an adoption application, visit www.hsozarks.org or contact Nelson at (479) 444-7387. A list of adaptable pets can also be accessed by visiting www.petfinder.com.