Spotlight on ... Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary/Silverwalk Hounds

These pups are available for adoption at Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary. (Laura Simon)

Considering Stacy Busch-Heisserer owns a pet-based business, it's not surprising she also gives back to to local groups helping animals.

Busch-Heisserer serves on the board of Safer Harbor Animal Sanctuary/Silverwalk Hounds.

"Since I can't volunteer due to my schedule, I give back by donating some of the profit from my store to both Safe Harbor and the Humane Society," she said in an interview with the Southeast Missourian.

Alice Wybert, director of Safe Harbor, says volunteers are an important cog in the running of the shelter, which in January was housing 300 cats and 20 dogs. "We always need volunteers," she says. "Yes, it is a lot of physical work. But (that's what happens) when you've got two people to take care 300 cats and 20 dogs."

Money is another primary need, Wybert says. Safe Harbor does fundraisers throughout the year and operates a thrift store in Jackson. All of the items in the store have been donated and all of the proceeds go to Safe Harbor, paying for dog and cat food and other necessities for the animals.

Safe Harbor also made Silverwalk Hounds a division of its operation. Silverwalk founder Roberta "Bobbi" Beech is on the board of Safe Harbor, and Wybert made the suggestion to combine resources. Silverwalk focuses on hounds, mostly beagles, and senior dogs.

How to help

To volunteer time, money or donate items to the thrift store, call Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, 573-243-9823. Safe Harbor is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Wybert suggests another way pet owners can help: "Spay and neuter your pets so we don't end up with what you don't want."