We made the paper! Thanks go to the Eastern Jackson County
Examiner for writing about us. This was published in early
February, 2005.
Women devote themselves to rescuing our
furry friends
Frank Haight Jr.
The Examiner
Every year, an estimated 5 million cats and dogs are euthanized in
animal shelters across America, the Humane Society of the United
States says.
And that is 5 million too many, say Kim Accurso and Shelaine Acree,
who find that staggering statistic disturbing.
That's roughly one pet put to death every 6 1/2 seconds, say the two
Lee's Summit women, both committed to rescuing cats and dogs
awaiting extermination in area shelters.
Their rescue work isn't done alone. It's through Furry Kids' Refuge, a
non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to working with area
shelters to rescue companion animals and to provide safe havens for
these abandoned, abused or unwanted animals.
Since it was established in June, the refuge has saved approximately
900 animals and put them into loving homes.
Rescuing these animals from death is just one facet of Furry Kids'
Refuge - a no-kill, non-profit Missouri organization. The refuge also
spays or neuters all companion animals in its care and provides
vaccinations, needed medical attention and a save haven.
Because Furry Kids' believes all animals deserve respect and should
be treated with dignity in all circumstances, no animal is neglected for
any reason. Help is always there.
Take Hero, for instance. This black chow mix was rescued last spring
from the Independence Animal Shelter with a limp. X-rays showed Hero
was suffering from an old hip injury.
"It appeared the femur had been broken and had never healed
properly," Acree said. "His hip bone was a mess."
Hero could have spent the rest of his life limping along. But now he is
on the road to recovery following hip surgery at the Veterinary
Specialty and Emergency Center in Overland Park, Kan.
"Hero is doing wonderful," she says. "He's getting well and is in physical
therapy."
Getting Hero back on his feet didn't come without a price.
"We spent over $1,300," Acree said, explaining that it takes a lot of
out-of-pocket money from volunteers, monetary donations and
discounts from veterinarians to take care of the animals.
Currently, Furry Kids Refuge has more than 70 rescued dogs and cats
awaiting to be adopted into forever homes.
If you are considering adopting one of these animals, look no further
than Furry Friends Hangout, a boarding and grooming facility at 2750
S.W. U.S. 40, just west of Woods Chapel Road, in Blue Springs.
The Hangout allows the refuge to use its facilities for animal adoptions
from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The adoption fee is $85 for dogs and
puppies; $70 for cats and kittens.
Furry Kids' is careful in matching the right dog with the right family by
asking lots of questions. "We want a match for the dog, as well as the family, Acree said. "We
want to make sure we have the right kind of home for that particular
dog."
After the adoption, there is a two-week trial period in which owners can
get their fee back if the adoption doesn't work.
Furthermore, Furry Kid's will take back an adopted dog, with no
questions asked, if the owner is not able to care for the pet down the
road.
Animals in the care of Furry Kids Refuge make wonderful pets, Acree
says, because "they know you have rescued them, and they live their
life for you. They really do."
If you are thinking about adopting a pet, Acree says, consider this: By
adopting one, you actually save two. What this means, she says, is that
when you adopt one, that adoption makes room for Furry Kids' to save
another.
"So adopting one, saves two."
As a volunteer, Acree says she is concentrating on getting the word out
to the community about saving these rescued animals that have done
nothing wrong.
"They just happened to get with the wrong family and got thrown out on
the street," she said. "They need a forever home."
Especially the large, black dogs, which Acree says aren't being
adopted as readily as non-black canines.
"There are some wonderful black dogs that have been with us for a
long time, and we're having a hard time finding homes for them."
As for why black dogs aren't popular, she doesn't know. But she does
know this: "A Lot of these black dogs are being killed because they are
in shelters and no one wants them."
Accurso says there is a plus and minus in being a volunteer.
"It is very heartbreaking to see all of these animals at the shelters,
knowing you can't save every one of them even though you want to.
You save as many as you can."
That's the minus.
The plus, she says, is "knowing you have saved the lives of animals by
placing them in homes where they are going to be loved and treated
with respect, and, hopefully, spoiled rotted for the rest of their lives.
That makes it all worth it."
How can you help Furry Kids?
- Through monetary donations for veterinary care of animals and to
help rescue more pets in need.
- Through donating such items as new or recycled collars and leashes,
dog and cat toys, metal food bowls, blankets and towels, crates and
dog houses and kennels/dog pen.
- Through offering your services as a volunteer.
For volunteer opportunities or for more information, call 699-3238, or check the Furry Kids' Web site at:
www.furrykidsrefuge.org. |
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