Humane Society of the Ouachitas: COVID-19 Operation Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Purchase of 10 six-packs of Revolution for Dogs at a cost of $739.90.
Every animal that enters HSO is given a dose of Revolution.
How many pets did this grant help?
Approximately 90 dogs
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Meet Jelly Bean, a dog who could easily have been categorized as “non-adoptable” and euthanized. Instead, he received the patient care he needed to transform into a wonderful companion who is now loving life.
We don’t know what Jelly Bean’s first three years of life were like. Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) met him as one of many dogs living outside and free at a remote home in the woods. Jelly Bean and his friends were altered and provided with food and water daily, but did not have much opportunity for human interaction.
HSO was called to assist in taking and placing these dogs in need when their caregiver had to be unexpectedly hospitalized and was no longer available to provide food and a human presence. A joint effort between three agencies provided each dog a place in a “no-kill” shelter or rescue. HSO received 28 dogs from this situation. Many were friendly but some were frightened enough that they had to be caught by using live traps. Jelly Bean was one such dog.
When entering the shelter, Jelly Bean would bark and growl at anyone who approached his kennel. His hackles would go up. He would back away, never taking his eyes off the person, avoiding any contact. Over time, with patience and kindness, Jelly Bean began to relax. He would come to meet familiar people when they approached his kennel and take treats through the fence. Eventually the day came that Jelly Bean sought out petting and treats. He was ready to be adopted. The search for the right home was on!
Seventy-nine days after coming into the shelter, Jelly Bean found his perfect family. He is now a beloved companion with a dog “brother” to play with. His adopter told HSO staff that Jelly Bean was immediately relaxed and happy to be at their house. He did zoomies around the living room and jumped up to enjoy the couch. During a post-adoption phone call, his adopter informed our staff in a happy voice: “You are never getting him back. He is the best dog we have ever had and we love him!”
Jelly Bean is a wonderful example of the transformation that can come about with time and love. Together we can “Save Them All.”
