Rescue Update
More Than 50 Dogs Rescued from Bollinger County Substandard Puppy Mill Are Recovering

The more than 50 dogs and puppies that were rescued from a substandard puppy mill in Bollinger County on July 23, 2007 are now being treated at the Humane Society of Missouri. Those that were suffering from severe matting have been shaved to allow for more freedom of movement.  While shaving these dogs, we discovered many skin problems as well as medical conditions resulting from massive flea infestations.

Many of the dogs and puppies seem to have good personalities, but are not used to being handled. For many, this is the first time they have been out of their cages. 

A disposition hearing is scheduled for August 15, 2007 when we hope to gain custody of the dogs. We will then make plans for their continuing rehabilitation and adoption.

Since the animals from Bollinger County have various medical needs right now, we need your help to support the care of these animals.  Please make a donation today.

Many people have expressed interest in adopting these dogs and puppies.  Please call  314-802-5712 to leave your name, phone number, address and email and you will be contacted when any or all of the dogs are available for adoption.

For more information on the Bollinger County rescue click here.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation Donates to Rescued Canines

  
A BIG "Thank You" to Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation for donating $2,000 to the Bollinger County rescue that took place last month. This money will be used for the continued care of the more than 50 dogs and puppies found in deplorable conditions at the home of an unlicensed breeder in Bollinger County.

Matt Oldani of Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation with Kathy Warnick, president and Tim Rickey, director of rescues and investigations, for the Humane Society of Missouri

Pet Accessories for You:
Try the Humane Society of Missouri Gift Shops

These items and many more can be found at our Humane Society of Missouri gift shops.
Click here for HSMO gift shop locations.  

Remember: Each time you shop, you are helping homeless animals find new, forever, loving homes!

Award-Winning Writer
Arden Moore Comes to St. Louis

Join the Humane Society of Missouri on Tuesday, August 14 to welcome Author Arden Moore. Arden is a National Award-Winning freelance writer, editor and professional speaker. She has written more than 10 books with tips and tricks about sharing our lives with our pets and is a nationally known speaker who teaches through laughter and fun.

Watch a short video biography of Arden Moore

Ask the Vet:
What is feline leukemia and can my cat get it? 
Health Tip from Dr. Suzanne Saueressig, DVM

If your cat has frequent contact with other cats or kittens, you should know about feline leukemia virus. The presence of this virus causes major problems with the cat or kitten's immune system and other organs, and may even cause cancer. This virus is highly contagious to cats of all ages. However, it is not contagious to humans or other species. In cats, it is spread by saliva, urine, and blood. A mother cat can also pass it to her kittens.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Anemia, lack of pink or red color in the gums
  
• Weight loss
  
• Recurring or chronic illness
  
• A progressive weakness
  
• Lethargy, fever, diarrhea
  
• Breathing difficulty
  
• Yellow color in the mouth and/or the white of the eyes

Updating your cat's vaccinations is the best tool of preventive medicine. It is always recommended that you keep your cat indoors to help prevent him from contracting an illness from other neighborhood cats. Your veterinarian can determine the best program for you and your feline friend. 

Call the Humane Society of Missouri Veterinary Medical Center to make an appointment today!

Humane Society of Missouri
Veterinary Medical Centers  
St. Louis City: (314) 951-1534
Westport Area Center: (314) 951-1590
Chesterfield Valley Center: (636) 530-0807

Dog Fighting in the News
What You Should Know

Recent events have highlighted the underground world of dog fighting. The Humane Society of Missouri abhors all instances of animal abuse including this cruel and bloody sport.

Here is what we have to say about it.

We do not condone glorification or promotion of animal abuse in any form.

We have a very active Rescues and Investigations Division with humane officers in St. Louis City and County and statewide investigators covering every county in Missouri.

When we receive reports of animal abuse, including dog fighting, we work proactively with local law enforcement officials to investigate the situation.

Where appropriate, we recommend to prosecutors punishment to the full extent of the law for those convicted of animal abuse. Missouri Law Statute 578.025 makes dog fighting a Class D felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a $4,000 fine.

We continually work to promote legislation to prevent animal cruelty and abuse and punish perpetrators.

The Humane Society of Missouri offers an extensive humane education program for law enforcement and social welfare officials as well as for nearly 25,000 school children in the St. Louis area. We focus on the connections between animal abuse and human abuse and strategies for prevention. We emphasize to children the importance of respect and care for all living creatures.

We encourage the public the immediately report instances of animal abuse to our Animal Abuse Hotline 314-647-4400.