Poplar Bluff is fortunate to have its animal care resources

Southeast Missouri has many homeless animals, but Poplar Bluff is fortunate to have dedicated rescue and adoption resources: Poplar Bluff Animal Control, Hearts for Rescue and the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri.

Poplar Bluff Animal Control is staffed by hardworking officers and volunteers. They reunite owners with missing pets, find homes for animals and educate pet owners on local animal laws.

Hearts for Rescue is a network of canine fosters providing adoptable dogs with an enriching home environment and care until they find their new homes.

AWA assists low-income residents with spay/neuter costs and has spearheaded other animal wellness initiatives including starting a Pet Food Pantry during the pandemic and caring for pets of families displaced by natural disasters. The organization is now fulfilling its decade-long goal of opening this area’s first no-kill animal shelter, serving Butler, Wayne, Ripley and Carter counties. They also plan to partner with local crisis shelters and rehab programs to care for pets while their owners seek treatment and get back on their feet. The AWA Animal Shelter’s grand opening is June 17.

The Daily American Republic is excited to partner with all of these rescues by highlighting one of their adoptable dogs or cats through our Pet of the Month segment.

May’s spotlight is on Charlie, an affectionate Beagle mix at Poplar Bluff Animal Control (find him on page A10). During Charlie’s photoshoot, an officer recalled their last Pet of the Month, a large, happy-go-lucky dog nicknamed Rowdy. Soon after his picture hit the press, Rowdy had an adopter walk in with a copy of the paper and ask for him specifically. We are thrilled to have helped Rowdy find his home, and hope that Charlie has the same good fortune.

There are plenty of ways to assist these organizations, and animals in general. Spay and neuter your pets to reduce the number of unwanted animals and improve their long-term health — AWA is happy to provide financial assistance to those who need it. For those who want a pet but can’t have one yet, consider volunteering or donating. Most importantly, when looking for a new furry family member, remember to adopt, don’t shop.