Pure Barre gives STHS "Serenity"

We all know, as dog owners living in Louisiana, the prevalence of heartworms and the importance of keeping your dogs on preventative.  Here at the Humane Society, we regrettably are forced to turn away many dogs who are heartworm positive for the simple reason that we cannot afford to treat all of them. 

Now, take that fact and shelve it for a few moments.  I want to talk about some of the fundraisers for STHS that you so often hear about (be it via our volunteer bulletin, newspaper, Facebook, website, etc).  As an individual in today’s technologically savvy society with a myriad of demands on our time, energy, money, and allegiance, we are caught up in a constant deluge of information and pleas for help that typically go in one ear and out the other.  So much to process.  And our hearts can only sympathize with so many downtrodden and disenfranchised people, animals, and plants (plants have feelings!) a day before we simply become numb with the magnitude of it all.  We get it.

But there are, of course, some causes that we identify with on a level that incites us into action.  If you are reading this blog, then animal welfare is likely one of those causes which you hold dear.  Our volunteers, supporters, and donors are such an integral part of realizing our mission here at the St. Tammany Humane Society.  And too often they do not see the tangible results of their efforts and dedication to the shelter animals that they stand behind. 

If had the time and space, I would love nothing more than to recount all the examples of how our supporters have had a miraculous impact on the animals here at the Humane Society, and these heroic deeds do not always receive the recognition that they deserve.  I can only hope that in lifting one of these countless events to the forefront,  it will encourage us all to remember that every one of our actions, no matter how small we may think it, has an effect that may mean the difference between life and death for another magnificent being. 

Many of you will remember reading about Pure Barre’s Anniversary event, from which STHS received a $1000 donation from the evening’s proceeds.  Again, many times these facts go in one ear and out the other.  But what does this truly mean?  How did this happen?  Where does this money go?

 This means that every act of generosity begins in the heart and mind of one individual.  In this particular instance, Jennifer Thomas, owner of Pure Barre.  The Pure Barre staff and enthusiasts carried the ball (pun intended) and the STHS staff and volunteers who attended the event made it possible to put a furry face to the cause.  That’s great.  And where did the $1000 go?

Let us rewind to our earlier conundrum (our inability to take in many heartworm positive dogs due to the cost of treatment). Vicky Kreeger, our tireless leader, earmarked this donation for heartworm treatment for potential shelter intakes.  To put it in the simplest terms (not my forte…sorry), some of this money saved the life of our newest STHS shelter beagle, Serenity.  Serenity was dropped off with three of her pups, in hopes that they would all enter our adoption program……until Serenity tested positive for heartworms.  Under normal circumstances, we could not have taken Serenity, but because of the money donated by Pure Barre, Serenity will be treated for heartworms and will be up for adoption following treatment.   

Thanks to Pure Barre and the STHS volunteers who gave their time at this event for the shelter animals that ‘incite them into action,’ a life was saved. 

To all of you who donate your time, efforts, and money to the mission of St. Tammany Humane Society (To save the life of every adoptable animal in our community through education,
adoption and spay/neuter programs.):  YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!  

3rd Annual Puppies Gone Poker!

The St. Tammany Humane Society’s 3^rd annual Puppies Gone Poker Run will be a huge hit with dog lovers on the Northshore who are looking for an event that is not only dog-friendly, but celebrates the bond we share with our canine companions by making them an essential element of the afternoon festivities!  Enjoy a Sunday afternoon with Fluffy and Fido, strolling the streets of Old Mandeville, and collecting the best 7 card poker hand to win $1000!! 

Event day registration will be from 4 – 6 p.m. at Zorro’s Funzone for Pets (924 Girod St).  Pre-register by July 17^th and save $5.  You can pre-register at www.sthumane.org, STHS front desk, or Zorro’s Funzone for pets.  ‘Paw’ticipants will turn in their hand to the house at 7 p.m. at The Beach House Bar and Grill (115 Girod St) to the groovy tunes of STHS’s favorite band, Christian Serpas & Ghost Town Acoustic.  Did we mention the best hand wins $1000???

Poker Run participants will collect one card from each stop to complete their 7 card hand.  Each stop along this pawsome poker run promises a howling good time on an afternoon that will definitely ‘go to the dogs.’  Other sponsors for this event include The Barley Oak, PMO Link, The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, Vianne’s Tea House, Varsity Sports, The Shiver Shack, Frosch Barber Shop, Das Schulerhaus Christmas and Gift Gallery, and Aviva Massage & Well-Being Center. 

So dog lovers of the Northshore, save the date and head on down to Zorro’s on Sunday, July 22^nd at 4:00 to register for STHS’s 3^rd annual Puppies Gone Poker, and share that dog day of summer with your ‘ace in the hole’:  man’s best friend.  And remember, please enjoy this event with dogs that are people and other-dog friendly.  Keep your pooches on a leash and ‘know when to hold em!’  Wear comfortable shoes, or your dogs will be barking.  We hope to see you there, at STHS’s 2012 Puppies Gone Poker…..where every dog will have its day!

All proceeds from the poker run will go toward the expansion of the St. Tammany Humane Society’s surgical suite in our full service Fix Dat vet clinic to increase the number of spays and neuters we can perform at STHS.  Fix Dat!