Animal Rehabilitation

The Humane Society of Missouri is dedicated to providing the best care possible to animals that have suffered from abuse and cruelty.

Whenever possible, we seek to rehabilitate animals like Charlotte that have survived cruelty.  With the right combination of veterinary care and TLC, many of these animals turn out to be wonderful companions and lead long, happy lives.

Charlotte's Story

When Charlotte was brought into our shelter late one summer night, she was so disfigured that staff couldn't immediately tell what kind of animal she was.

Charlotte was brought in by a Good Samaritan who discovered her on her front porch.  The one-year-old Chihuahua had a ziptie tied so tightly around her neck that her head was swollen to the size of a grapefruit.  Charlotte was also so malnourished that all of her ribs were visible.

Humane Society veterinarians immediately - and carefully - removed the ziptie from around Charlotte's neck.  By the next day, the swelling had visibly decreased. 

Charlotte continued to receive veterinary care for malnutrition, heartworms, and other medical conditions resulting from abuse and neglect.

Charlotte stayed in our shelter under close supervision until her condition improved.  Once she was healthy enough, she was placed with a foster family, who provided love and care while Charlotte continued to receive treatment.

Charlotte was in the care of the Humane Society of Missouri for five months before she was adopted by a loving family.  All families that applied for adoption were carefully screened to ensure that the adopting family would continue Charlotte's medical care.

The Humane Society of Missouri worked with law enforcement and offered a public reward for tips leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Charlotte's abuse.  Unfortunately, Charlotte's abuser has never been found.

Today, Charlotte lives with a family that loves her and will keep her safe.  She is especially fond of her canine sister, Yoda, who provides leadership and confidence, and her human sister, Kendall, who provides unconditional love and cuddles.

Please Help Us

Please help us care for more animals like Charlotte.

To support the Animal Cruelty Fund, please click here.

To report suspected animal abuse or neglect in Missouri, please call 314.647.4400 or click here.  Reports are taken 24 hours a day and can be made confidentially.