Faithful Friends Animal Advocates reaches out with help

This month’s visit took me back to where it all started at Faithful Friends Animal Advocates in Neosho, MO. Although I had always been an animal lover, growing up with a cat in Germany and then having multiple dogs and cats wherever we lived, until Faithful Friends, I didn’t know how hard animal shelters and rescues work, nor how much they depended on volunteers to help keep the animals fed, clean and happy. I’ve said it before and can’t say it often enough, you meet the nicest people in animal rescue, whether employed, volunteering, transporting or fostering. 

I met with FFAA’s director, Cynthia and her kennel manager, Kara. Both of them took time out of their busy days to take me around and show me what’s old, what’s new and even let me get my kitty fix (as you know, I have a German Shepherd who is not real thrilled in having to live with a cat, so I am somewhat restricted).

I even got to see an old-time friend, Qira, who I had transported back from Kansas City where she had been sent for evaluation, since she was very scared of most humans. Here is Qira’s story: Qira is a sweet Boxer/mix that came to FFAA in March 2017 when she was 11 months old. After being at FFAA for 995 days, she was FINALLY adopted in February 2020. Her dreams were answered; she had a family of her very own. But after having a home for a couple of years she was let down yet again when her family surrendered her to Animal Control. FFAA was called to see if they would take her back, which they gladly did, but they are heartbroken for this sweet girl. She has now been back at FFAA for 168 days. She is 6 years old and blind in her left eye, but she doesn't let that slow her down at all. She loves to go on walks, play with toys and play fetch. And most of all she is ALWAYS ready for some snuggles.

In my conversations with Cynthia and Kara, I heard the same stories as other shelters, not enough room and too many animals who need it. They are very much upset that they have to turn down owner surrenders because there simply is no room for them. They don’t want to contemplate the fate of many of these animals. The owners are informed that they will be put on a waiting list and will be notified when space becomes available, or alternately, they are given a list of other shelters, rescues and pounds, but the chances of finding room there is pretty slim. Everyone is fighting the battle of insufficient kennel space.

Although Faithful Friends has some strict adoption rules, they too have had an unusual number of owner surrenders and some returns. They put much effort into their adoptions and love long visits by potential adopters. Especially when there is a dog already in the family.

Kara pointed out to me that how a dog or cat behaves in the shelter is not necessarily how they behave when brought into a home environment; they generally are much happier and being given the necessary adjustment time, will make the best pets. However, the adjustment period may be as long as three months and all adoptive parents are given information about what they can expect from their new family member to avoid returns.

Kennel stress is something that all rescues fight, being in a noisy environment with so many other dogs is very detrimental to many dogs and therefore, the shelter came up with arranging one day visits with experienced people. A home visit helps a cat or dog back on track. And remember, “Fostering is Love”.

When we arrived at the kitty condos, we found many playful kittens and cats. Ironically, Cynthia said that this year, adoptions of cats have been faster and they tend to spend less time at the shelter. It used to be that dogs were adopted quicker than cats. The why is not known and speculation tends to point to the economy or fear of another pandemic.

I asked Cynthia and Kara what they see as a potential solution and like anyone involved in animal rescue or shelters, they point to spaying/neutering the animals. It is a small cost in comparison to unwanted kittens and puppies that under the best of circumstances wind up in shelters and at the worst are dumped and/or euthanized. The message is the same: PLEASE GET YOUR ANIMALS FIXED!

And as always, please help, with time or money, volunteering or fostering.

Here are a few prospective pets looking for a furever home at Faith Friends:

MeMe, the tabby. Meme is a 3 ½-year-old sweetheart! She is very affectionate and loving and would be a great addition to a home. She came to FFAA as an owner surrender because the dog in the household was being too rough with her. She would do best in a quiet home setting. She has been with FFAA for 176 days and is ready to find the purrfect family!

MAGGIE has been at the shelter for 313 days. She’s a 2-year-old Rottweiler mix that’s full of life and love that she would love to share with someone. She does great with other dogs and children. She has lots of energy to spare, so she’s hoping to find someone who can give her lots of playtime and make her an active part of their life. She would love to go hiking in the woods, splashing in water and cuddling on the couch! 

KALIE has been at FFAA for 532 days and is ready to find a loving family. At three-years and 5-months, she is 67 pounds of amazing sweetness! She is a smart girl, has lots of energy, and loves people, but not so much other dogs or cats. This is why she needs to be the one & only! She is a fast learner and will be her best self with someone who will give her lots of mental and physical exercise. She would love to go on runs, walks, adventures and then lounge around and be a cuddle muffin. Since she is super athletic she would be able to keep up with someone who has an active lifestyle.

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