By Kathleen Swift
Those who love dogs and cats know how important the Joplin Humane Society’s work is for the welfare of animals and of the community. This open admissions shelter is dedicated to finding homes for neglected, unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats.
Connie Andrews, executive director, remarked, “The Joplin Humane Society is currently caring for 586 dogs and cats. This is one of the largest summer intakes we’ve seen in years. We are taking in about 300 cats and 200 dogs a month. I’m honestly not sure if it’s the pandemic coming to an end and people are going back to work, or if it’s the volatile nature of the economy. There is not one thing I can point at to explain this influx of unwanted pets. May through July is always busy, but this year we’ve seen many more animals coming to the shelter.”
As the shelter fills with animals, getting foster homes for some of the animals becomes a top priority. Andrews said, “Foster homes are needed desperately. We provide the pet food and any medicine the pet needs. You provide the love, care and attention. Many of our animals just need to be in a home while they are awaiting transport to a rescue or are old enough to be adopted. Our young animals especially benefit from being in a home before they are old enough to get their vaccines. A home is safer for them than a shelter.”
To take care of hundreds of animals takes money, and the Joplin Humane Society is looking forward to its biggest fundraiser of the year – the 20th Annual Fur Ball. The event will take place September 24 at Indigo Sky Casino.
“The fundraising from our upcoming Fur Ball is more important than ever,” said Andrews. “A lot of people don’t realize it costs over $2,600 each day to keep our doors open. We provide to the community with adoptions, animal intake and rescue, public spay/neuter clinics, and public vaccine clinics, along with a one-of-a-kind volunteer opportunity for kids (Shelter Pals).
“This year’s dazzling event is sure to be the best. Our theme is Boots & Bling, Yellowstone, Dutton Style. We hope with the popularity of the TV series Yellowstone and 1883, there will be lots of animal lovers ready to come out, enjoy a Dutton-style night and help us raise the much-needed funds that are necessary to care for the dogs and cats in our community.”
The evening will start at 5:00 with hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet ranch-style dinner and silent auction with mobile bidding. There will also be several items available at the live auction, including a Doug Hall painting, beautiful items from Comeau Jewelers and some secret extra-special surprises! Volunteers and staff will be recognized along with the employee of the year. Without these folks and your financial support, the Joplin Humane Society would not be able to continue the good work they do in support of animals needing love and care.
Event Details:
20th Annual Fur Ball
September 24, 2022
Indigo Sky Casino
5 pm
$80 per person
$150 per couple
$700 per table for 10
For sponsorship opportunities, call the Joplin Humane Society at 417.623.3642.