Fall 2026 Volume 4 Issue 3
PROVIDING SECOND CHANCES TO ANIMALS SINCE 1870
You Gave These Pups Hope On May 20, our Animal Cruelty Task Force partnered with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in executing a warrant at a property we knew all too well. That day, 53 dogs and one cat were removed from the property. Over the years, we’ve visited this property numerous times. In total, we have removed 111 animals from this owner, including 31 that were voluntarily surrendered and 80 that we seized through legal action. In 2019, the owner pleaded guilty to animal neglect and was sentenced to unsupervised probation. As we often find in cases like this, the property was in terrible shape and covered with garbage both inside and outside where the animals were forced to live. Once we were able to rescue them and bring them to the shelter, many of them arrived fearful, unsocialized, and in need of extensive medical and behavioral support. It was the first time they had ever experienced safety, comfort, and compassionate care. On June 9, we were granted custody of the animals, enabling our team to move forward with all the care, including the spay/neuter surgeries, that they needed.
Because of you, these animals now have something many of them have never known before: hope. For some, their recovery took weeks. For others, it took months. But it wouldn’t have been possible at all if it weren’t for your support of our mission to give animals in need the second chance they deserve. hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
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Humane Society of Missouri
Directory Main Number 314-647-8800 hsmo.org Report Animal Abuse and Neglect 314-647-4400 or 800-383-9835 Headquarters 1201 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 Macklind Adoption Center 314-951-1562 Best Buddy Adoption Center 11660 Administration Dr. Maryland Heights, MO 63146 Best Buddy Adoption Center 314-951-1588 Longmeadow Rescue Ranch 480 Josephs Rd. Union, MO 63084 Longmeadow Rescue Ranch 636-583-8759 Animal Medical Center of Mid-America All locations 314-951-1534 or amcma.org Patients seen by appointment. Donations 314-951-1542 Mission: Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. We provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need — large and small — that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. We are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs and our shelter pet training program. We further support that bond by making world-class veterinary care available. The Humane Society of Missouri is an independent, non-profit organization not affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations. We do not receive tax support or United Way funding. We rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and fees for services.
Dear Friend, Every day, the Humane Society of Missouri is called upon to give animals in need a second chance. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to answer that call with compassion, expertise, and hope. So far this year, we have rescued more than 700 animals from abuse, neglect, abandonment, and disaster. That number is on pace with recent years, proving that the work we do remains as vital today as ever, and is only possible because of supporters like you. On May 20, 2026, our Animal Cruelty Task Force partnered with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to execute a warrant at a property to rescue 53 dogs and one cat from heartbreaking conditions. Sadly, this was not our first visit. Over the years, we have removed 111 animals from this owner, including 31 voluntarily surrendered and 80 seized through legal action. The animals arrived in need of extensive medical and behavioral care. On June 9, we were granted custody, allowing our dedicated team to provide the medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and patience they needed to begin healing. Every step forward happened because you made it possible. As we look ahead, we also have much to celebrate. This November marks the return of one of the Humane Society of Missouri’s most anticipated traditions—our once-every-five-years Gala. The last time we gathered for this extraordinary event, we celebrated our 150th birthday. This year, we invite you to join us once again for the Happy Tails Gala on Saturday, November 7, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The Happy Tails Gala will be an unforgettable evening celebrating the lives you’ve helped save and the bright future we are building together for animals in need. I hope you’ll join us for this very special celebration. To learn more and reserve your tickets, please visit HSMO.org/Gala.
Thank you for believing that every animal in need deserves a second chance, and for making that hope a reality through your generosity. With heartfelt thanks,
Kathy Warnick President Humane Society of Missouri
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Fall 2026
Morpheus’ Stunning Second Chance A healthy adult male Great Dane should weigh between 140 and 175 pounds. But when we rescued Morpheus after an investigation by our Animal Cruelty Task Force, he weighed just 80 pounds. With your dedication and support, we were able to save his life. Morpheus was starving, covered in infected wounds, and had a collar embedded in his neck. We cleaned his wounds, started him on a refeeding schedule, and showed him what loving compassion looked like. Despite all he had been through, Morpheus had a will to live. He met his care team with a wagging tail and sweet disposition, showing them that he was ready for his second chance. After a month of treatment, he was healthy enough for his neuter surgery. But his journey wasn’t done there. Next came treatment for heartworms. Recovering from heartworms is a months-long process that’s hard on all dogs – especially those who’ve already had a rough road! In Morpheus’ case, he was able to spend his heartworm treatment days in a loving foster-to-adopt home.
After nearly 100 days in HSMO’s care, Morpheus’ weight increased to 134 pounds, and he was ready to officially make his foster home his forever home! This miraculous recovery wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of animal lovers like you.
hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
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Second Chances
You Helped Us Build New Spaces HSMO’s Macklind Avenue shelter can house hundreds of animals at any given time, and that number fluctuates based on the time of year, along with intake and adoption numbers. Dogs housed in the public-facing part of the building often get to spend off-leash time in a playpen across Macklind Avenue in Carol Gates Throop Park. Dogs in the back of the building were able to spend off-leash time in fenced-in areas in the back of the building, but these areas were becoming difficult to navigate, with dirt washing away and exposed tree roots. With the generous support of our donors, we were able to replace this space with multiple state-of-the-art fenced-in playpens. These spaces allow for more dogs to spend more time outside, which is very beneficial for both the animals and their handlers. Thank you for making this possible!
We are so grateful for your support in cases like these, and could not do it without you.
Happily Ever After For Riddle On a hot day a few summers ago, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force recovered 16 dogs, two horses and a donkey from a property in New Madrid County. One of the horses was so small, the rescue team thought he was only a year or two old. Upon examination, they discovered he was actually 4 years old but extremely malnourished. He was too weak to stand, and had to be lifted by staff multiple times during his first few weeks at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. Though they weren’t sure he would make it, the Longmeadow team named him Riddle and began his intensive recovery. Donations like yours made the next several weeks of Riddle’s life possible. He required around-the-clock care and a special diet. But Riddle had an affectionate, spunky personality and seemed eager to recover and start his new life. He gained more than 300 pounds in Longmeadow’s care and recovered beautifully. This past summer, a woman came along looking for a young horse to be her trail-riding partner. She reached out to a friend who volunteers at Longmeadow, and the friend immediately suggested meeting Riddle. It was a perfect match! Riddle will be spending his summers in Michigan and winters in Arizona, living the good life. We’re so happy this
sweet guy got the loving home he deserves!
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Fall 2026
Made Possible by YOU!
You Never Gave Up on Parker In January, a 2-year-old beagle mix was abandoned at HSMO’s Macklind Avenue shelter. He was sweet and a little shy, unsure of his new environment and its unfamiliar noises. Because of ongoing support like yours, we were able to take him in and assure him things were going to be OK. We named him Parker and helped him adjust to his new surroundings. We found out he loved toys, treats and long, quiet walks. Once he warmed up, Parker loved to climb into his human friend’s laps for cuddles. Weeks went by, though, and Parker still hadn’t found a forever family. He took a field trip to KMOV, where he appeared on their Pet of the Week segment. Just a few short days later, his new dad walked through the doors. It was love at first sight! The kindness you
show homeless pets like Parker is so appreciated!
A New Life for Thriller This beautiful cat named Thriller came to the Humane Society of Missouri as a stray, left in our night cages. Something wasn’t right, though. One of his back legs was broken. After X-rays, the medical team determined the break was severe – so severe it warranted amputation. Through support like yours, we were able to act quickly and get Thriller on the road to recovery. Once he had healed from his surgery, Thriller was quick to demonstrate that having three legs didn’t slow him down one bit! He found a loving home with cat siblings and is living the life we always dreamed of for him.
Lucy’s Healing Journey, Made Possible By You! When Lucy, the boxer mix, came to HSMO, she had been attacked by another dog living in her home. She had deep wounds on her head and needed immediate medical attention. Luckily, with the support of donors like you, we were able to treat her right away! Lucy underwent nearly three weeks of medical care. Our veterinary staff cleaned her wounds and used manuka honey, an innovative, natural treatment, to help them heal. Lucy was kind and patient through it all. She understood her friends at HSMO were trying to help her. When it was determined she was healthy enough to be made available for adoption, Lucy continued to be patient. She knew the perfect family was out there. A few weeks later, her forever family came through the doors! They were so excited to meet her, and it was a perfect match.
Thanks to your support, we can help dogs like Lucy get the second chance they deserve. hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
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From food to litter, we're proud to support the pets of the Humane Society of Missouri.
Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Any other marks are property of their respective owners. Printed in USA. hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
So Many Ways to Get Involved! There are so many ways to get involved at the Humane Society of Missouri and support animals in need. From our affinity groups to volunteering, your support allows us to rescue more and serve more animals. Choose the way that fits you best.
Women’s Leadership Council
Join other professional women who want to make a lasting difference in the lives of abused, neglected or abandoned animals in St. Louis and Missouri. Members of the WLC help by attending our fundraising events, serving on event committees, including our annual Purses for Pooches in June of each year and even joining other WLC members in the shelter occasionally to help our teams who care for our animals that are waiting for their forever homes. Benefits include complimentary event invitations, discounts at HSMO gift shops, raffle tickets to Purses for Pooches, an invitation to our annual holiday party and more!
Volunteer
Rain or shine, laundry or litter boxes, HSMO’s volunteers help provide second chances for abused and neglected animals in a variety of ways. • • • •
Dog Walking Humane Education Shelter Support Kennel Enrichment
• Fostering Pets • Special Events • Gift Shop
We Heard You! All of us at the Humane Society of Missouri are deeply grateful for your completion of our annual Loyal Friends Survey. By sharing your thoughts, you’ve proven — once again — to be a dedicated friend to our community’s most vulnerable animals.
Your participation helps us determine: Do you have pets in your home? a. No – 17% b. Yes – 83% What type of pets do you have? a. Cats – 32% b. Dogs – 63% c. “Other” responses include horses, snakes, chinchillas, fish and guinea pigs Donors primarily choose to support HSMO because: a. 62% - Have been supporters for many years b. 28% - Trust in HSMO’s mission and reputation c. 5% - Were moved by a recent rescue story
hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
The primary reason for supporting HSMO is: a. 61% - To help rescue needy animals b. 17% - To provide safe shelter for homeless animals c. 15% - To help shelter pets find loving families Our donors rank the following HSMO services as being most important to the community: a. 17% - Animal cruelty investigation and rescue b. 13% - Sheltering homeless animals c. 59% - Couldn’t decide and feel all programs are vital Other than animal welfare, our generous donors rate the following causes as most important to them: a. 29% - Environment and Conservation b. (TIE) 18% - Child and Family Services c. (TIE) 18% - Food Banks Our supporters primarily support homeless animals through: a. 87% - Donating to HSMO b. 13% - Volunteerism and advocacy for animal welfare
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Happy Tails Gala
Saturday, November 7, 2026 The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
An evening of enchantment celebrating the magical bond between people and their pets. Tickets and info at:
hsmo.org/happy-tails-gala
Bark and Boo-ze Thursday, October 29, 2026 5:30-7:30 p.m. K9 Garden
Tuesday December 1, 2026
Tickets and info at hsmo.org/barkand-boo-ze
Every donation goes toward rescuing, sheltering and rehabilitating homeless and neglected animals. Early giving is now open!
hsmo.org/givetues
Children ages 5 to 11 years old are invited to our annual Deck the Howls for shelter animals event at the Humane Society of Missouri on Macklind Avenue. Wear your favorite pajamas and celebrate the howl-iday season with the adoptable dogs and cats at HSMO!
hsmo.org/deckthehowls
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Be the Life of the Party! Sponsor a Barn Buddy! Barn Buddy sponsorships make a great gift for the person who has everything. Perfect for birthdays, well-wishes and showers, your sponsorship helps care for the animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
15-HUMMO-0926-N
Thursday, December 3, 2026
longmeadowrescueranch.org/barnbuddies
Fall 2026