BUILDING BITS
Construction is well underway on the new Humane Society for Animals building. Despite the wettest October on record and damage from winds, we have been on schedule, give or take a day or two. Plumbing and slab inspections went well in November. Slab pours began after that with masonry work (block walls), trusses, and the roof shortly thereafter. Once the roof was up, work continued inside the building even with bad weather.
During the months of January and February, the heating/ air ductwork was installed, and interior walls set in place. Painting of the interior walls is close to completion, and the concrete floors are currently being coated with sealer. Kennels should arrive next week and landscaping is on the horizon. As of now, we are looking at a completion date near April 1, 2020. No Fooling!!
The weather in Arkansas is always an iffy situation, but let’s all hope for moderate temperatures and very little rain. As for now life is good at the construction site.
DOGGIE DOINGS
NEW LEASH ON LIFE PROGRAM
For those of you who were captivated by the Chewbacca of Star Wars fame (how could you not be), we would like to introduce you to our very own Humane Society Chewie who comes from a galaxy very close to home. Chewbacca is a fluffy, lovable and amazingly huggable Norwegian Elkhound mix who lives one fun-filled adventure after the other. Shortly after arriving at the Humane Society, Chewbacca, who is very intelligent canine, managed to find a way to let himself out of his kennel presumably to go on a walk-about. A few minutes later, he showed up at Centro Cristiano, a local church located about a block away from the HS. Over the next few weeks, he managed to repeat his escape adventure, always ending up at the church. By now we were confidently assuming that he was on a spiritual quest, searching for the answers to life that we all are seeking. It was also apparent that Chewbacca could use the assistance of a more secure environment and thankfully, there was a wonderful solution to the dilemma. There is a program conducted at the Benton County Jail called “New Lease on Life” where canines are kept on site, living with inmates and provided guidance from professional dog trainers. The interaction and bonding that occurs is a blessing to both the canines and the inmates, providing opportunities for personal growth and the experience of the canine gift of unconditional love. For some of the inmates, after their release, this program also opens opportunities for employment in animal care and service capacities. Chewbacca was accepted into the program and immediately was “awarded” his temporary home, staying in the vehicle maintenance shop sharing time with both staff and inmates. He is a tireless worker, doing what dogs do so well as he provides smiles and companionship and in return receives hugs and care, and at the end of his training, the chance for an adoption into a loving home. Chewbacca hasn’t lost his playful nature as he successfully “made a break for it” before being returned back into the shop. We suspect that he is really enjoying the friends he is making and the opportunity to just be a dog. The Humane Society and the “New Lease on Life” program have previously partnered with other canines who have all found their forever homes.
News Flash…Chewbacca has been successfully rehabilitated and has been adopted to a forever family!!
Valentine Sweethearts
Captain and Tennille were selected by the Humane Society to be our Valentine Sweethearts. These two best friends had been subjected unmercifully to the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The love and the compassion of the Humane Society humans have worked a miracle in the lives of these canines. They have healed, both on physical and emotional levels. Some of their physical injuries are still obvious but the emotional scars have been transformed and this pair of best friend canines is filled once again with hope, joy, and trust. The picture is worth a thousand words. One look into their eyes and you know they have moved beyond fear and despair into the world of happiness and smiles. The resilience of the canine spirit is beyond amazing. Their survival has bonded these two into an inseparable pair that will be honored by the family that takes both Captain and Tennille into their home as forever companions. Their Grammy Award winning song says it best: “Love will keep us together”. These American Bully Dogs are up for adoption at the Humane Society for Animals in Rogers, AR.
Numbers In – Numbers Out
We at the Humane Society for Animals had a record number of stray, abandoned, or homeless dogs brought to us in 2019. The total number of dogs and cats that entered our shelter this year was 883.
Of this number,
70 dogs were returned to owners who had lost them
39 dogs were transported to shelters in other areas of the country where there is less over- population of unwanted pets
101 cats were adopted to loving families
62 of those cats adopted were kittens under 5 months old
621 dogs were adopted to loving homes
104 of those dogs adopted were puppies under 5 months old
We are considered a “No Kill” shelter, because our “Live Outcome” rate for animals entering our shelter is 98.19%.
While we have some wonderful volunteers promoting our homeless animals on social media, offsite adoptions, and driving our van that extra mile to make an adoption a reality, we could not have achieved these numbers without the help of some marvelous adopters. Thank you for taking a chance by adopting a senior, the blind, the 3 legged, the injured, the behaviorally challenged, and opening your home to the terminally ill giving them the opportunity to be surrounded with love their final days. You are treasured more than you know!
As we go forth into 2020, we need only look toward our volunteers and adopters to know that there is a home out there waiting for each and every one, and “No Kill” is a reality in NWA!!
FRIENDS WE WILL MISS
It is with deep sadness we say good bye to one of our most faithful volunteers, Travis Wiendenhoeft. He came in every weekend for many years and loved on all our animals, and placed a donation in our donation box. We, as well as the animals, will miss you so much, Travis. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you did for our animals.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Petco Offsite Adoptions – TBA on our facebook page
Feb 29, 2020 – Northwest Heart Health Fair – Offsite Adoptions 9AM-11AM
March 7, 2020 – Volunteer Orientation – Noon at the Humane Society Dog Park
March 21, 2020 – Barks, Brews, and Bar-B-Q event in downtown Rogers – Details TBA
April 30-May 2, 2020 – Bentonville Film Festival – Offsite Adoption Event
