Here it is, Thanksgiving week, and we, at Have a Heart Shelter, are thankful for another successful Soup and Chili Supper with Cake and Pie Auction this past Saturday. We had a packed house of community supporters, but we’re all beat so we’ll report more results next week. In the meantime, a big thank you to everyone who helped in countless ways and especially to those who attended this annual event. And the many, many furbabies you helped thank you as well!
During this season of thanks, we also want to share with our readers and supporters another way to help the animals at Have A Heart. Next Tuesday, November 29, has become known nationally as #GivingTuesday. And we have wonderful news in that we have a donor who will match all donations up to a maximum total of $5000 so we have the potential to raise $10,000+ next week! Just imagine all the needy animals who can be helped with that! There are several ways to donate for #GivingTuesday…on our website at www.haveaheartpetshelter.org or by mail at Have A Heart Pet Shelter, 657 Highway 202 West, Yellville, AR 72687. Either way, please be sure to note it’s for Giving Tuesday so that it will qualify for the matching donation.
Lastly, we don’t have a “Pet of the Week” this week. Sadly, that’s not because there are no animals in the shelter looking for a forever home. But it’s because we are still in dire need of volunteers. Here’s the latest update from our Facebook page, which was posted last Saturday:
“On October 27th, we posted a plea for volunteers to help during these very difficult times. Many people responded they would come in to sign up or talk with us about volunteering. Well, here we are almost a month later, and we still have no help. Today is our annual fundraiser so we will be closed. And, we will be closed ALL of next week. We will come in to take care of the animals we currently have under our care. Don’t call because no one will be there to answer the phone. Don’t come banging on the door begging us to take your pet or a stray you have found. We cannot take in any more than we currently have. Make no mistake…This makes all of us very sad. Sorry in advance, but we have families we want to spend Thanksgiving with also.”
Writer’s note: I am an ”occasional” volunteer with HAH. I compile these articles, help with the Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic three times/year, and round up my friends to donate money for pet food when pleas go out. I have come to know the “regular” volunteers at our Shelter and I can tell you they are doing an incredible amount of work for the homeless animals of our area. Please help if you can. Remember, our little shelter is 100% volunteer operated. If we can find additional, regular volunteers, the work can be divided. But if it all falls on the shoulders of a few, it’s really tough not to experience burnout. All of our volunteers are here simply because they love the furbabies. They have compassion for those who have been dumped, abandoned, neglected, or abused. But they also have families, jobs, and other commitments. Please help if you can. Thank you.