Summer 2026 Volume 4 Issue 2
PROVIDING SECOND CHANCES TO ANIMALS SINCE 1870
Day in and Day Out, With Your Support, Our Commitment to Animals Will Never Waiver While large-scale rescues often draw public attention, the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) works tirelessly every single day behind the scenes. In between the major operations that make headlines throughout the year, ACT officers respond to ongoing reports of abuse and neglect, rescuing animals one by one, or just a few at a time, in heartbreaking conditions. These daily efforts are critical. This year, from January 1 to April 1 alone, ACT rescued 270 animals, including dogs, cats, small companion animals and horses. Each rescue represents an individual life saved and a step toward justice for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Whether it’s a neglected dog left without shelter, a malnourished horse or a group of animals living in unsafe conditions, ACT remains committed to answering the call.
hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
This important work was recently recognized at the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation Gala, where Ella Frank, director of ACT, received the prestigious Carol House Award. The honor is presented to individuals who exert exceptional efforts to protect Missouri’s animals. It was created in tribute to the Dubman family, whose decades of advocacy have advanced the rights, safety and well-being of animals across the state.
We are grateful to the Alliance for this recognition and wholeheartedly agree that Ella deserves this distinguished award. Her dedication underscores the value and importance of your support to ensure every vulnerable animal receives care, protection and the chance for a better, safer life for all animals. 1
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 Friends, On behalf of everyone at the Humane Society of Missouri, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your incredible generosity during our 5th annual Day of Giving on February 10. Because of your compassion and commitment, we raised just over $300,000 — more than ever before. Your support truly made this our most successful Day of Giving to date. Our Day of Giving directly benefits our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT), and your contributions are vital to sustaining their lifesaving work. As you will see in this issue of Tails, ACT is on the front lines every single day of the year, rescuing animals from heartbreaking situations of abuse and neglect. Whether responding to large-scale rescues or urgent individual cases, their work is unyielding, and it is only possible because of you. Your generosity ensures that we can continue our mission of giving animals in need the second chance they deserve. Every dollar you give helps provide medical care, shelter and hope to animals who have nowhere else to turn. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. I would also like to extend a special congratulations to Ella Frank, director of our Animal Cruelty Task Force, for receiving the prestigious Carol House Award from the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. This honor recognizes her exceptional dedication to protecting animals across our state, and we couldn’t be more proud of her work and leadership. As we move into warmer months, I also want to remind you that hot weather can be dangerous for both people and pets. Remember that if it’s 70 Degrees and Over, Don’t Take Rover! Leaving animals in vehicles, even briefly, can quickly become life-threatening.
Thank you again for standing with us and for making a difference in the lives of so many animals. With gratitude,
Kathy Warnick President Humane Society of Missouri
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Summer 2026
You Made Shakira’s Success Possible Last March, our Animal Cruelty Task Force received a call about a dog that had been hit by a car, and was in need of help. We rushed her to an emergency vet, where she received care overnight. With your generous support, we were able to start treating her back at HSMO the next day. We named her Shakira. She had sustained damage to her muzzle and was experiencing pain in her hind end. Even so, she was in good spirits and enjoyed the company of her friends at the shelter, but she had a long way to go. Her environment was overwhelming, and she desperately wanted the quiet of someone’s home instead of the shelter’s barking dogs. A member of our ACT team (the one who initially brought her in!) decided to foster sweet Shakira and give her time to decompress and heal.
Once her personality was able to shine, Shakira was able to go to a meet and greet with potential adopters. It turned out to be the perfect fit! More than nine months after arriving in our care, this adorable girl was able to go to her forever home.
We couldn’t make stories like hers possible without your help!
hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
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Second Chances
A Second Chance for Paisley Paisley originally came to HSMO in November 2024 from a big rescue in Polk County. She was adopted in early 2025, but ended up back in the shelter last summer through no fault of her own. In her time at HSMO, sweet Paisley won the hearts of staff and volunteers with her easygoing demeanor and big smile. She went on field trips with volunteers and even got to visit a pumpkin patch! Before long, she went to spend some time in a foster home, where she waited patiently for her life with a forever family to finally begin. Then, the call came in: she had a meet and greet with a potential adopter! It was love at first sight, and she started the new year with a family to call her own.
With your support, we never gave up on Paisley and are so excited for her happily ever after.
You Helped Us Stand By Mr. Wobbles Mr. Wobbles arrived at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in critical condition. Severely emaciated at just 751 pounds, his neglect was so extreme that he needed immediate veterinary care before he could even enter our barns. One of the veterinarians who treated him was Dr. Lanham. Her husband was with her at the clinic the day Wobbles arrived, and he instantly fell in love with the gelding. They asked to stay updated on Mr. Wobbles’ progress as he began his rehabilitation. Mr. Wobbles’ recovery was anything but easy. He went down in his stall multiple times, and staff and dedicated volunteers worked around the clock to help him back on his feet. Through it all, one thing never changed: his appetite. Mr. Wobbles absolutely loved to eat. After everything he’d been through, who could blame him? As he gained weight and his chances of survival grew stronger, Dr. Lanham made a heartfelt decision: if Mr. Wobbles fully recovered, he would join their family. After 94 days in Longmeadow’s care and after gaining more than 360 pounds, that promise became reality. Mr. Wobbles went home to begin his new life with his forever family.
This happy ending would not have been possible without your generosity.
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Summer 2026
Made Possible by YOU!
A Fresh Start for Flashdance
Stars Aligned for Sweet Romeo
Flashdance came to HSMO as a stray in October. The 3-yearold Labrador Retriever-Pit Bull Terrier won the hearts of staff and volunteers with his great ears and huge smile. Though he thrived outside on walks and spending time with his human friends, Flashdance had a hard time in his kennel. Day after day in the shelter environment was tough on him — like it is for many in our care.
At the beginning of the year, a good Samaritan brought a stray kitty with a badly broken leg to HSMO. Despite everything he had been through, the young cat was incredibly good-natured. We named him Romeo.
For more than 100 days, staff and volunteers worked to make Flashdance’s life easier by playing fetch with him and taking him on field trips to Tower Grove Park. It was easy to see how much potential this smiley guy had when he wasn’t in his kennel. He just needed the right family to give him a chance! The day finally came, and Flashdance’s new people arrived at the shelter to add him to their family.
Thank you for helping us bring happiness to this sweet guy — no matter how long it took!
Unfortunately, after his surgery, he developed an infection. One of our veterinarians recommended treating it with Manuka honey, which is known for its antibacterial properties. The incision site began to heal, and Romeo went to a foster home to fully recover. He thrived and showed his foster mom that having three legs didn’t slow him down one bit! Shortly after, he was adopted into a loving home, where he’ll be showered with affection and cuddles for the rest of his life.
Thank you for helping us help kitties like sweet Romeo!
You Never Gave Up On Wallaby HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force team sees dogs in all kinds of terrible conditions, and many on the team have a soft spot for the mother dogs who continue to provide for their babies even when they themselves are barely hanging on. One such mama is Wallaby, rescued by the ACT team in Washington County in October. The 4-year-old cattle dog mix was nursing a litter of puppies and had issues with her eyes, teeth and skin. She needed several dental procedures and a benign mass removed from her neck. Her puppies all found their forever homes, but Wallaby’s body was slow to heal. Despite it all, she met every HSMO employee and volunteer with a calm sweetness that made her a favorite throughout the building. She had been through so much, and everyone knew she deserved her second chance — even if it took a little longer than most of the animals in the shelter.
With your support and kindness, we were able to care for Wallaby as long as she needed it — right up until the day her forever family came to take her home!
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
Don’t forget your pet’s preventatives Your pet needs protection from parasites during all seasons, but nuisances like ticks and mosquitos are the most active this time of year. As you and your pets spend more time outdoors in the summer months, make sure they’re just as ready as you are!
70 and Over, Don’t Take Rover Summer is here, and the temperature is rising! Pet owners should keep in mind the Humane Society of Missouri’s life-saving motto: 70 Degrees & Over, Don’t Take Rover!
Your veterinarian can prescribe preventatives for your pet based on their age and lifestyle. Modern preventatives protect from ticks, fleas and all kinds of worms — including deadly heartworms. Check with your vet to find out which preventative is best for your pet before letting them spend time outdoors! Visit HSMO’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America at amcma.org or call 314-9511534 to learn more about preventative care.
ever leave a pet unattended in a N parked car when the temperature is near or above 70 degrees. ct immediately if you see a distressed A animal in an unattended car. Call our animal cruelty hotline at 314-647-4400 and your local police. ake sure outdoor pets always have M access to shade and fresh, clean water. Keep pets inside when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. When it becomes too hot for pets to remain outside, bring them indoors and keep them in a safe, cool space.
Give Our Animal Friends a Free Ride! You can donate your old car, truck, motorcycle, boat or airplane to HSMO! Donating is easy, pick-up is FREE and most vehicles are accepted. Donations may even be tax deductible!
hsmo.org/vehicle-donation • 314-951-1542
hsmo.org | longmeadowrescueranch.org | amcma.org | StLLostPets.org
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Saturday, September 12 Saturday, October 10 Saturday, November 14 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Join us for free family fun at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch! Spend time with rescued farm animals, meet the world-famous Barn Buddies, watch Twister the painting horse, then take a wagon ride through our 165-acre facility in Union, Missouri.
Glow in the Park Returns on Friday, September 18! Our annual Glow in the Park Balloon Glow dinner will take place in the Central Fields of Forest Park, under the auspices of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
hsmo.org/glow
longmeadowrescueranch.org/wagondays
When you become a monthly donor, you provide critical support we can count on. You can make a huge impact with recurring gifts that are automatically charged on the first of each month, guaranteeing funding is always available for animals in need.
15-HUMMO-0626-N
hsmo.org/humanehero 314-951-1598