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Healing Hearts Animal Rescue reports a busy year

Launches several new programs, including new shelter facility

By Britt Combs | The McDowell News

Published: February 8, 2009

Healing Hearts Small Animal Rescue reports having rescued 136 animals last year. As the county wrestles with a new animal ordinance, groups like Healing Hearts are staying on task, providing relief for the community's stray and neglected pets.
Group founder Vicky Tate said the continuing support – and adoptions – make the work possible.
"We have several dogs for adoption," she said, "with seven more coming in (last week)."
Those 136 animals last year meant "that I had 544 furry feet to touch their paws in my house," she said. "Without our supporters and their contributions this would have been impossible to accomplish. The monetary donations help us to provide veterinary care for the animals that need more than the basic care, such as leg amputations, facial surgery to repair damage done by an abscessed tooth and mammary tumor removals."
She indicated that aside from the necessary monetary and supply donations, the group can make great use of discarded fleeces and sweatshirts.
"My aunt takes these pieces and makes dog pillows, rice bags to keep our puppies warm and belly bands for the housetraining boys," said Tate. She said they cut the sleeves out of old sweatshirts to make dog sweaters.
She said Healing Hearts, in existence for 15 years, was incorporated in 2004 and received its nonprofit status with the IRS as of 2007.
Right now, they are focusing on helping seniors who've approached her for assistance with the cost of their companion animals.
"Their need is great," said Tate. "Sometimes the only friend or family that they have is their pet. We are setting up a fund to help them to get their dog spayed or neutered. A donation of $65 will help to pay for one dog's spay or neuter. Please make sure to specify that the donation is for the Senior Help Fund."
She added that she maintains a screening process to ensure the wise use of the funds.
Encouraging news has come in the form of a grant from The Pedigree Foundation to the tune of $1,740.80. The foundation is a philanthropic effort by the Pedigree Brand, makers of pet feed and supplies.
Tate said the money will help fund a shelter facility to be built on her property to expand services.
"We are looking for people who can help us as we take on this project," said Tate. "We will need concrete, fencing, building material, lighting, flooring and people to help us brainstorm on this project."
The group will have a meeting for anyone who wants to help, has ideas or wants to be a part of our organization on Thursday, Feb. 19, at Little World Day Care in Old Fort at 6:30 p.m. The daycare is located at 357 North Railroad Street in Old Fort. The meeting will include a seminar of what to do with abandoned or injured wildlife after the shelter meeting.
Also this month, Healing Hearts will hold their "Helping Hearts Campaign," hosted by Animal Hospital of Marion.
"We will have a display of animals that we have helped recently along with a list of items that we need, such as puppy pads, puppy or kitten formula, bedding, bottles, old blankets, sweatshirts, heating pads and monetary donations," she said. "Please consider purchasing an item and bring it back the Animal Hospital of Marion for a donation to our animals."
For more information, call 668-7766 between 6 a.m. and noon