Senior Solution to Waggin' Wheel Woes

St. Tammany Humane Society’s transport program, Waggin’ Wheels, began about 3 years ago in response to an expressed desire by rescue groups in the Northeast to help ease the burden of overcrowded Southern shelters and rescues by taking in dogs that were in high demand and not near as common and overpopulated as here in Louisiana.  And so began a partnership with what is now 5 rescue groups (as well as a few additional breed specific rescues) that the St. Tammany Humane Society regularly transported dogs, most of which would otherwise have been euthanized at the kill shelters from which they were pulled. 

In 2012, Waggin’ Wheels transport program allowed for 140 more dogs to be saved through STHS.  The rescue groups do pay for the vetting of these dogs, but the cost of transporting 25 dogs in a cargo van to New Jersey is nothing to bark at.  As a non-profit, every penny that is earned goes back into the shelter and programs such as Waggin’ Wheels.  So when the money is there….well, then the money is there.  Right now, the money that is there for transport is very little and this has greatly affected the number of dogs we have been able to transport to our rescues up north. 

Abby Scorsone, a senior at Mandeville High School, is doing her senior project on pet overpopulation and when she became aware of the attenuation of the Waggin’ Wheels program to the detriment of the animals, she decided to do what she could to raise transport money for the dogs who need those ‘waggin’ wheels’ to roll them to safety. 

Here is Abby with little Pierre, a little Papillion who has been accepted by the rescue group ARF (Animal Rescue Front) in Groton, MA.  He is now awaiting transport.

 

 

The average cost of a transport to New Jersey is $1000.  Abby has raised $500 so far, and still needs another $500 to meet her goal and to see those dollar signs transform into 25 more dogs SAVED. 

Abby was at STHS recently to see off 4 transport dogs leaving for their new forever homes in Pennsylvania.  The transport of these dogs was made possible by their few number and generous volunteers who drove them on one leg of their journey.  And though Abby was happy to see them saved, she needs your help in transforming 4 dogs into 24 dogs.  Can you help?  $50 pays for the transport of one dog, but no donation is too small; every dollar helps! 

 

 

 If you would like to donate to STHS’s Waggin’ Wheels Program for Abby Scorsone, you can

·         Donate via our website (www.sthumane.org) and please put “Waggin’ Wheels for Abby” in the Donation Designation box

·         Mail donation to:

              St. Tammany Humane Society
             Waggin’ Wheels for Abby
             20384 Harrison Ave
             Covington, LA   70433

Thank you in advance for your generosity. 

Humanely,

Abby Scorsone, St. Tammany Humane Society, and the dogs who need you

 

Mr. Richards Second Chance

Mr. Richards, a 5 month old Basset mix, came to the Humane Society recently in hopes of entering our adoption program.  He seemed to be the picture of puppy health, until the shyly curious pup tried to stand up as tall as he could on a back leg that just didn’t look quite right.  Upon close examination, the vet suspected a once badly broken leg that never healed properly.  Hindering Mr. Richards’ walking and movement in many ways, as well as the probability of associated pain with the old injury, it was determined that the leg must be amputated. 

 

As many St. Tammany Humane Society supporters are aware, there are unfortunate times when the financial burden of taking in many animals with serious injuries force  us to go to the community for help.  This is why the St. Tammany Humane Society’s “Second Chance Fund” was created.  It enables us to take in those animals whose treatment or surgery we otherwise could not afford.  And so it is with young Mr. Richards, whose sad puppy eyes are simply irresistible.  
But this is not just a plea for help.  It is also the beginning of a story that promises to change not only Mr. Richards and those who generously give to make that much needed surgery possible, but also a young girl, high school senior Lana Monsour, who made a commitment to help Mr. Richard reach that goal.  Lana goes to Mandeville High School and is doing her Senior Project on Animal Abuse and Neglect.  She made several visits to the St. Tammany Humane Society and when she heard Mr. Richard’s story, vowed to do everything she could to help raise the $600 needed for his surgery. 

We here at the Humane Society want nothing more than to give everyone a glowing update very soon about Mr. Richards and perhaps even one of you is interested in giving this boy a wonderful forever home. 
If you would like to donate to Mr. Richard’s Second Chance Fund and recognize Lana Monsour for her efforts in raising money and awareness for this special pup, you can mail donation to:

St. Tammany Humane Society
Second Chance Fund/ Lana Monsour
20384 Harrison Ave
Covington, LA  70433

Or you can donate via our website (www.sthumane.org) and please note in the details box:  Second Chance Fund/Lana Monsour

By the simple act of helping a single puppy in need, Lana is doing much more than she realizes to stop animal abuse and neglect.  It starts with the power of one (you).  And we hope will end with a happy puppy and a young girl who reached her goal of helping one small puppy who cannot help himself.  Please give any amount you are able to help us reach our $600 goal.  Every dollar is appreciated.
Anyone interested in giving Mr. Richards a forever home can contact Janie@sthumane.org or call 985-892-7387.