Animal Welfare Alliance
of Southeast Missouri
News and Events
Our First Adoption Day at the Poplar Bluff Animal Shelter was a Success on December 20, 2008.
We had 22 sign-ins, but each sign-in usually represented a whole family or a couple, so about 40 people came through the shelter. Many of them were looking for something specific (which they didn't find).
But we did place two puppies and two half-grown cats. We had hoped for more placements; but those were 4 more than there would have been this Saturday under normal circumstances. Hopefully several of the people who visited today will return during the next week or 10 days to make a choice.
Dorothea Lasley brought half a dozen plush dog beds she had made herself and gave them away to adopting families, a lovely and much appreciated gesture. Thank you Dorothea!
AN EVENING RECEPTION AND ART EXHIBIT was held October 10, 2008 in the Black River Art Gallery , at the corner of Vine and Fifth Streets in downtown Poplar Bluff . Wildlife and animal art by several area artists was on exhibit and selected items were for sale along with an auction of artwork and other animal related items.
Animal Welfare Alliance November News
The fundraiser we had in October gave us a jumpstart in our funds so we can proceed forward.
We are obtaining all required insurance and permits so we can actively begin assisting at the Poplar Bluff City Animal Shelter and other things we would like to perform.
We are closely working with the Poplar Bluff Police Department and we will be setting up a training program when we receive enough volunteers. If you would like to volunteer on a Saturday or Sunday, please complete the Contact Form on our Contact page. We need volunteers to help adopt out the animals, feed and water them, foster the weak or recuperating and any donations you would like to give the shelter. Please see our Donation link. Training will cover feeding, watering, processing adoptions and the basic operating rules and precautions at the Poplar Bluff City Animal Shelter.
NEW ANIMAL WELFARE GROUP FORMED
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. --- Dismayed at the lack of a humane society-type of organization in Poplar Bluff and surrounding counties, a group of local residents has taken action.
The new Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA) took shape this month, electing officers and setting the date for its initial fund raising event. Organizers are in the process of applying for 501(c)3 federal nonprofit tax status and soon will file similar registration with the state.
“I think all of us on the board of directors got tired of rescuing abandoned dogs and cats and having nowhere to take them,” said AWA president Charlotte Wolpers Craig, of Fairdealing. “Most city-operated shelters can take only animals found within their city limits and are usually full anyway. There’s a real need for more shelter options.”
Dr. Dorothy Munch, of Poplar Bluff , co-founded the organization and serves as vice president. “We hope eventually to establish a shelter of our own, but that will take quite a while. In the meantime,” said Munch, “we will actively support the adoption, neutering and spaying of pets.”
The group’s first fund raising event will be an evening reception and art exhibit in the Black River Art Gallery , at the corner of Vine and Fifth Streets in downtown Poplar Bluff . The display will feature wildlife and animal art by several area artists. Selected items will be for sale and there will be a brief auction.
The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, with live music and hors d’oeuvres provided by The Scott-Walker Eatery. Tickets are $25 and are available by calling (573) 686-3111. Dress is business casual.
A primary purpose of the AWA, according to organizers, is to foster a spirit of cooperation among veterinary clinics and all public and private animal care agencies in the area. As a beginning project, the group hopes to work with Poplar Bluff city officials on a volunteer basis to expand pet adoption hours at the city shelter. “We’re in the talking stage right now, but we’re optimistic about putting together a plan in the next couple of months,” said Craig.
Treasurer of the Animal Welfare Alliance is Julita Michel; secretary is Nancy Strack Abernathy. Both are Poplar Bluff residents.
Other members of the board of directors are Grace Blaich, John Holland, Joyanne Githens Cunningham, Jeff Walker, Mary Anne Rathe, Gina Cagle, Linda Curtis, Carla Letassy, Carol Swain Lewis, Nancy Segall, Karen Coleman, Claudette Newkirk and Lori Hansbrough, all of Poplar Bluff. |
