Celebration of Rescue

Shoogy,one of the Pit Bulls available at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, celebrating the Petco National Adoption Day

This past Saturday, November, 8th was truly a red letter day for companion animals. This was the day the Petco store in Cape Girardeau opened its doors to a group of animal rescuers for the Petco National Adoption event. What set this event apart from the events of the past, was the participation of the key organizations involved in the rescue of American Pit Bull Terriers.

For the first time in this area, Pit Bull rescue was represented by some of the most impressive ambassadors of the breed. There were Pit Bulls that are presently available for adoption, as well as dogs being fostered for health reasons, and dogs that have been adopted into forever homes.

There was also a reunion of the dogs that were confiscated in the abuse case in Old Appleton. The pictures of these dogs on the day they were rescued were on display for the public. To see these dogs in their present state is nothing less than miraculous.

We also had updates on a few of the most recent abuse cases in this area, as well as, progressive photos showing these dogs today.

I am a born worrier and the hours before this event began were intense. I worried how we would be received by the public and if this would have the positive results we had all hoped for. I never dreamed we would have such a welcome from the patrons of Petco and the Petco staff themselves. Whatever fears I had, were erased almost immediately upon our arrival.

I wish to thank Safe Harbor Sanctuary, Silverwalk Hounds Sanctuary and the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri for their dedication to saving one of the most misunderstood, maligned breed of dog in our history. I want to say a special thank you to Petco for their part in showcasing these amazing dogs. To the patrons that came in to express their support, I can not begin to express enough gratitude.

If you would like information on pets available in our area, please check with one of these rescue organizations. We can make a difference for the homeless pets in our area, by supporting their efforts. You can contact me by email, mscoy@netzero.com, and I will gladly forward your inquiry.