Humane Society of the Ozarks changing the world
Making Ripples — Amanda Bancroft
Sometimes doing the right thing can be a win-win for humans and the environment. The Humane Society of the Ozarks is one example. Its rescue work benefits domestic animals, wildlife and humans alike by reducing nuisance animals in cities, altering feral cat populations and finding pets their forever homes with loving families that are enriched through adoption.
The mission of the Humane Society of the Ozarks is to “promote the humane treatment of animals through education and advocacy.” According to its website, it is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States and receives no funding from that organization. All of its support comes from local efforts which serve Washington, Benton, Madison and Carroll counties. It’s not a shelter facility. Instead, it supports the efforts of various shelters and rescue groups across the region, as well as a host of other programs.
• A foster program helps abused, abandoned or neglected animals receive the love and socialization they need, in a home setting that prepares them to find their forever home.
• A low-cost spay/neuter program offers vouchers to residents of Northwest Arkansas regardless of location or income level, at participating veterinary clinics. There are many programs and options for owners needing assistance in our region.
• The feral cats trap-neuter-return program collaborates with the Washington County Animal Shelter to provide free spay/neuter services to colony caretakers outside municipal zones and offers traps on loan along with information on how to use them.
• Emergency vet care vouchers are given to low-income families with very sick or injured pets that require urgent treatment (but not routine care).
• The ACE program (Animal Care Education) gives pet care presentations to fifth-graders, teaching them how to appropriately care for pets.
• From May through October, the Humane Society of the Ozarks has a booth with adoptable dogs at the Springdale Farmers Market every second and fourth Saturday.
• The senior pet care program helps seniors who are having difficulty caring for their pets and provides information, dog walkers and grants for low-income owners.
For $30 at various clinics and businesses in the region, you can pick up the 2017 edition of “Tails of Love,” a photography book featuring beloved pets. And volunteers are cherished. They help with administrative work, socialize the dogs or distribute informational materials. You can even help by just sharing their posts on social media, or shopping through AmazonSmile, which generates donations for them. On Aug. 19, the Humane Society of the Ozarks will host the ninth annual Putt for Paws Mini Golf Tournament sponsored by Foghorns and Gator Golf, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. To find out more information or to become a volunteer or member, visit hsozarks.org.
Amanda Bancroft is a writer, artist, and naturalist building an off-grid cottage for land conservation on Mt. Kessler. She and her husband Ryan blog about their adventures and offer a solar-hosted online educational center on how to make a difference with everyday choices at: www.RipplesBlog.org.
