Helping Hands – Humane Society of Greater Kansas City: Providing Second Chances

Humane Society of Greater Kansas City: Providing Second Chances

Now a mellow, sweet seven-month-old puppy, French Fry looked very different the day he arrived at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

He arrived in mid-July. His face, neck and legs were covered in scabs and sores. Much of his fur was gone, replaced by pink, infected skin, and in many areas it was hanging off his body. French Fry could barely lift his head or open his eyes because of the pain from mange and a variety of other health complications. He had been betrayed by the humans who were supposed to love him.

The Humane Society staff and volunteers at 5445 Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas, worked tirelessly to restore French Fry’s health. They transformed him from a sickly and sad puppy to a happy, healthy 65-pound (and growing) dog who is now available for adoption. Unfortunately, the HSGKC has seen a lot of cases similar to French Fry’s, but the caring staff and volunteers make an impact on the lives of these animals, thanks to their state-of-the-art clinic and their ability to treat dogs who are often considered unadoptable.

The HSGKC was the metro area’s first no-kill shelter when it opened in 1912. In its 103 years of existence, the HSGKC has lived up to its mission to save and improve the lives of dogs and cats in Kansas City by providing preventive veterinary care along with spay and neuter services, education and adoptions. The HSGKC has given dogs like French Fry a second chance to be healthy and feel the loving warmth of human companionship.

The typical clinic and adoption services you see in many animal shelters are bolstered by the HSGKC’s unique Ray of Hope program. “In 2009, the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City began a partnership with the Kansas City, Kansas, Animal Control to help reduce the number of the city shelter’s pets that had to be euthanized every year,” said Kate Fields, chief operating officer of the Humane Society. “During the past six years, thousands of dogs and cats at the KCK Animal Control shelter have been given a second chance thanks to our Ray of Hope program.” Through the program, strays and surrendered cats and dogs are candidates for adoption, as well as those who have been abandoned or taken from their homes or the surrounding communities by Animal Control.

Because the HSGKC provides extraordinary, life-saving care to as many as 150 severely sick or neglected, abused or injured animals each year through its partnership with Ray of Hope, the Humane Society works very hard to raise local funds. This extraordinary care adds up. It’s estimated it costs as much as $80,000 a year to pay for these life-saving treatments. With the continued support of donors and those who attend the HSGKC’s events each year, French Fry and the hundreds of other dogs who come through the shelter’s doors can receive necessary medical care and be able to find their forever homes.

The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City is seeking extra donations to support the life-saving aspect of its animal control work. For more information, go to HSGKC.org or call 913-596-1000. HLM