What's new at Triple H Farm Rescue?

It seems lately I only write about bad news, and it makes me sad. Unfortunately this month is no exception, on one hand we have shelters that are overflowing with dogs and cats available for adoption and on the other hand a rescue getting started that could help this situation but is not getting enough assistance to do so. 

I did a follow up visit with Triple H Farm Rescue. You may recall that Wende started a 501c3 rescue with her own funds and property on a small scale, by providing flea preventive and low cost spay and neuter information as well as training tips. She also had a food pantry for dogs and cats that allowed pet owners to keep dogs during hard times, rather than having the pets turned over to a shelter.

However, it has been a tough year for Wende since she was the one and only person working at the shelter, and volunteers have been almost non-existent. Despite this, she has been able to accommodate more than 80 dogs on their way to new homes or rescue in parts of the country that are able to take dogs. Wende is currently working with a rescue located in Michigan who still has capacity to take some pets and when successful, arranging transport from Missouri to Michigan.

But that's not all, she has improved her location with fences that will eventually allow her to let dogs run outside and taking down some trees that needed to be removed, and generally making improvements that will allow her to have them onsite. All of this despite her own disabilities. Her hands are swollen from pounding fence posts into the ground. When asked how she accomplishes all of this despite her disabilities, she simply says "I just have to learn to do things differently". But she does admit these days that "rescue life is hard".

She has had to stop both the food bank and the flea preventive because she is only one person and it takes time away from the rescues. She currently has three dogs, two beagles and a great pyrenees on a waiting list for transport to points North. In addition she has 2 puppies (Faith and Sir Charles), who, unbeknownst to her, had parvo and coccidia when they arrived at her rescue. There were 3 puppies, but one succumbed to parvo. She feels lucky and happy that she was able to save two out of three. But the cost in human time, vet bills and medicine is high. 

Recently, a cute little terrier was brought to her when she was found wandering around Washburn. When I was with Wende, she said she didn't dare give her some basic treatments because she was afraid the poor girl might be pregnant. She says Shirley (named after LaVerne and Shirley) is a sweet dog who cries a lot because she wants human company. Shirley has a vet appointment and that will determine any future treatments. If she is pregnant, she will stay at Triple H until the pups are old enough to be adopted also.

The one thing that is extremely hard for Wende, is to turn people down when she is at capacity and they want to bring a dog to her, whether it is one someone found as a stray or whether it is one that needs to be re-homed, especially if the animal needs a new home due to death or health issues by the owner. Wende covers most of Southern Barry County, from Shell Knob to Washburn and beyond.

When asked what Wende needs most, she says foster parents and volunteers. With a few hours help a week from each, she would be able to do so much more, maybe resume the food pantry and get a little breather for herself. She also needs small dog collars as well as leashes, and of course, monetary donations to help pay for vet bills, food and medicine, is always appreciated.

So, if you can, please help Wende and the dog and cat population. Consider volunteering or fostering and donate, if you can. Remember, a healthy pet population will improve humans' health!

Here are a few prospective pets looking for a furever home:

SHIRLEY

FAITH

SIR CHARLES

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