Fashion Show Brings Rescues & Runways Together

Maurice’s is hosting Rescues & Runways, a fashion show to benefit the animals at C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, on Friday, July 27 at 2 p.m. in the Battlefield Mall.

Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to watch the models show off Maurice’s latest fashion trends while bidding on some of the awesome silent auction items. Each model will escort an adoptable dog from C.A.R.E. down the runway! Some of the adoptable pets from C.A.R.E. will also be there waiting for you to play with them.

Maurice’s is also currently collecting donations at the store for the animals at C.A.R.E. If one brings items or a monetary donation for C.A.R.E., Maurice’s will give him/her a 20% off coupon to the store.

There is no cost to attend the fashion event. All proceeds raised from the silent auction will go directly to help the animals housed at the shelter. C.A.R.E. relies on fundraisers to keep the shelter operating.

For more information, please visit C.A.R.E.’s Facebook page or call (417) 875-6565.

HOGS for Dogs IX Benefits C.A.R.E.

HOGS for Dogs IX, the annual motorcycle ride organized by Denney’s Harley Davidson to benefit C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, will take place this year on Sunday, July 8.

HOGS for Dogs is a volunteer driven event that has raised money for local animal shelters for the past eight years. Each year, bike and animal lovers alike come together for a beautiful 75 mile ride through the Ozarks, food, silent auction, family fun and more! Some of the adoptable pets from C.A.R.E. will be there waiting for you to play with them.

The ride will take off from Denney’s in Springfield. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with kickstands up at 10 a.m. This ride is open to all makes and models of motorcycles.

The cost to ride is a $25 donation for each rider and a $10 donation for each passenger. This includes the ride, lunch, and a HOGS for Dogs IX collectable pin. The cost for a HOGS for Dogs IX T-Shirt is a $15 donation.

There are also some great prizes this year for our top fundraisers; the top fundraiser will receive a 50” flat-screen television.

The HOGS for Dogs fundraiser is C.A.R.E.’s largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds raised from this event will go directly to help the animals housed at the shelter. C.A.R.E. relies on this fundraiser to keep the shelter operating.

For more information, please visit www.denneyshd.com or call (417) 882-0100.

Happy Endings: Miley's Forever Home

Miley, a 9 month old Boxer mix, went to the “Puppies on Parole” program at the Fordland Correctional Facility a few months ago.  After some training, Barbara from Oklahoma heard about Miley from her brother in Missouri. She was hoping to find a female playmate for her current dog. 

Barbara met “Miss Miley,” as she calls her, and immediately fell in love. “She is the best cuddle bug I’ve ever seen in my life,” Barbara said.  Miley learned how to shake, high five, lay down, and more commands while at the Fordland Correctional Facility. 

Barbara’s current dog is actually a service dog because Barbara has seizures. Barbara plans to make “Miss Miley” another seizure dog once Miley becomes a year old. “I couldn't have asked for anything better,” Barbara said. Miley has blossomed into an amazing dog, and she is very much appreciated by her new forever family!

C.A.R.E. Closet Annual Yard Sale!

C.A.R.E. will host a Yard Sale outside the C.A.R.E. Closet Thrift Shoppe, 1328-B W. Sunshine, on Saturday, May 26 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The yard sale items will be set up in the parking lots, and will be priced at low yard sale prices. The store will be open as usual that day from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. with regular prices.

All proceeds from sales go directly toward the care of the animals. Every sale or donation helps us help them!

If you have items you would like to donate, please drop those off the day of the sale.

C.A.R.E. Declares June Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month!

Come June, C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue is teeming with cats! Wacky kittens, adventuresome adolescents, captivating young adults, and mature hedonistic comfort-seekers…cats of all ages and personality types await the perfect match-up. Such diversity could be overwhelming if it weren't for the skilled adoption counselors on hand to help visitors discover their kindred spirits in feline form.

C.A.R.E. joins the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the ASPCA’s on-line adoption partner, Petfinder.com in declaring June Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month.

C.A.R.E. has planned feline-oriented festivities and offerings for the month of June. The public is invited to come by to meet, greet and participate.

C.A.R.E. will host a Cat-Only Adoption Event at Pet Warehouse, 2920 East Sunshine, on Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be a variety of ages, sizes and types of felines available, so you are likely to find the perfect pet for you! Each animal is spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Adopted cats can be taken home that day!

For the month of June only, C.A.R.E. is offering a special for Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. People will have the opportunity to adopt two cats for only one $85 adoption fee!

Happy Endings: Lilly & Whiskers' New Forever Home

During a rescue from "death row" at Animal Control, we came across Lilly, a Cocker Spaniel, and Whiskers, a Yorkshire Terrier. We found out that they have lived together in a home for the past 5 years, and were best buds. We knew that we could not split them up; they would be depressed without each other.

We are so happy to say that Lilly and Whiskers have now found a new forever home together! Their new owner, Trudy, said it was "love at first sight!" She went into C.A.R.E. wanting two dogs. "It was a bonus that they had to go together for all of us," said Trudy. They have a bright future in their forever home!  

The Pet Overpopulation Problem

This chart really shows the importance of spay/neuter! More spayed and neutered animals means less animals going into shelters. 

World Stray Animals Day

Today is World Stray Animals Day. According to Cesar Millan, ambassador for World Stray Animals Day, "People see stray animals going through garbage on the street looking for food and they would just rather not see them. They don’t make the neighborhood look nicer—they just seem like they’re dirty and spread disease. They don’t really care where they these animals go, as long as they’re gone." 

The American Humane Association estimates over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the United States alone every year. These animals are living beings with feelings that live painful lives. Together we can made a difference!

Anyone can get help save a life and reduce the alarming number of stray animals.  

• Adopt a stray animal
• Foster a homeless animal
• Volunteer
• Donate
• Microchip your pets
• Spay/neuter your pets
• Share the World Stray Animals Day cause with other to educate the public

For more information about this day, please watch the video below.

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed the importance of microchip registration for pets. According to the study, only about 22 percent of lost dogs that entered shelters were reunited with their families. However, 52 percent of microchipped dogs were returned to their owners. Getting your pets microchipped by your veterinarian will dramatically change these stray animal statistics. Together we can change lives!

"Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal" -Author Unknown

Happy Endings: Kinsley's Adoption Story

Kinsley’s rescue story was just featured in the spring 2012 Rescue Review and on the blog. Since then, her rescue story has become an adoption story. 

During a rescue at Animal Control, Director Melissa Sartin rescued Kinsley who had been living in a Suburban. The family had 12 dogs living in the feces ridden Suburban with them. After months of rehabilitation, Kinsley became a whole new dog. 

Samantha Little and Mitchell Osterloh adopted Kinsley on Sunday, March 25 and picked her up on the following Monday. The couple is engaged to be married this December. Kinsley is doing so well in her new home! The couple does not have any children and she is the only dog, so she enjoys the nice quiet atmosphere. 

Kinsley is especially becoming attached to Little. “She walks beside me and wants to be touching me at all times. She even sleeps behind my head at night,” said Little. Kinsley also loves having a backyard to run around. 

Osterloh’s parents live in town and Kinsley stays with them during the day while the couple is at school and work. She loves the “grandparents” house and even tried to play with other dogs! Kinsley is finally happy and has a bright future.

Furry Friends Friday!

This week, C.A.R.E. will highlight two furry friends!


The first furry friend is Bobby! Bobby is a little tri-color Jack Russell Terrier mix. He has spent his life in an outside pen, and is now ready to live the life he deserves with a loving forever family. Bobby is a little shy at first, but he is very sweet and loyal once trust is established. He would do best as the only pet. Bobby is available for adoption at the Ozark adoption center.

The second furry friend is Carmen! Carmen is a 5 year old Basset Hound mix. She is a great girl with a sweet and loving personality. Carmen loves everyone she meets and loves to get belly rubs. She gets along well with most other pets. Carmen is also most likely housebroken. Carmen is available for adoption at the Springfield adoption center.

Nixa's Next Top Paw!

Do you have a pooch that stands out from the crowd? Do they have what it takes to be the Next Top Paw? Bring them to enter in the most barked about event in Nixa!

Doggie Styles Dog Grooming and Studio 1910 photography will host the first ever “Nixa’s Next Top Paw” animal fashion event benefiting C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue on Saturday, March 31, from 1 – 4 p.m. This pet fashion event will be held at Doggie Styles Dog Grooming, 308 W. South St, Nixa, Mo, 65714.

 Owners can uniquely dress their four-legged friends or borrow from the fashion trunk at the event. Each Next Top Paw participant will be photographed during this event by Studio 1910. The participants will receive a 4X5 print from the photographers to take home!

A panel of judges will choose a winner based on fashion style, personality, and creativity. There will be special prizes for the winner. 

The fee to participate is $5 or the equivalent in pet supplies for C.A.R.E. All proceeds raised at this event will go directly to C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue. 

You won't want to miss all of the fun raffle prizes! C.A.R.E. will also have animals available for adoption that day.

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat or Dog

10. You'll save $$$ on their Halloween costumes.

9. You can always find them in the snow.

8. Holding a black cat or dog is very slimming.

7. Black cats and dogs will match any decor.

6. A lint brush isn't required for a black-tie affair.

5. When you love a black cat, luck is on your side.

4. Black cats and dogs are like onyx, a beautiful gem.

3. Hey, they don't care what color you are.

2. Love knows no color.

And the number one reason to adopt a black cat or dog...
1. They are the least likely to be adopted!

Kinsley's Rescue Story

Our Spring 2012 Rescue Review is now out! In case you missed it, here is Kinsley's rescue story. 

During a C.A.R.E. rescue visit to Springfield Animal Control, C.A.R.E.’s Director Melissa Sartin rescued six dogs that had been living in a Suburban. There was a total of 12 dogs living in the Suburban with their owners. The owners would drive around from parking lot to parking lot like it was a miniature mobile home. The Suburban was feces ridden, and the dogs were very sick and unsocialized. 


Kinsley, a German Shepherd mix, was one of the dogs that C.A.R.E. rescued. Over a period of two months, several times each day, volunteers and employees cleaned, fed, and provided socialization (play time) to Kinsley and the other animals. After much rehabilitation, Kinsley is now a whole new dog! She is available for adoption at the Ozark adoption center.


Kinsley’s story will have a happy ending but many other animals are not as lucky. We work hard to educate the public and provide a rescue, spay/neuter and adoption service to the homeless animals in southwest Missouri. Your contributions make our work possible. Kinsley and everyone at C.A.R.E. would like to thank you for making this rescue possible.

For Inspiration:

If I can stop one heart from breaking;
 I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
 or cool one pain,
or help one fainting robin onto his nest again;
I shall not live in vain.

-Emily Dickinson

C.A.R.E. For A Pounding Success!

Our first ever "C.A.R.E. For A Pounding" event was held at Springfield Skateland on Sunday, March 11. Those tough roller girls from Springfield's Queen City Roller Derby are tough, but they have a soft spot for the animals! 

We took 9 animals to the event and 5 went home with his/her forever home! Anyone who brought a donation for C.A.R.E. received a ticket into the raffle. We received quite a bit of food for the animals as well as monetary donations!

One of the roller girls adopted Lou, one of our feline friends. They were so happy together!

The roller girls escorted the dogs out onto the rink for a C.A.R.E. animal half time show.

C.A.R.E. and Springfield's Queen City Roller Derby were LIVE on KSPR talking about the bout! Here is the link in case you missed it.

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/kspr-kspr-community-closeup-care-for-a-pounding-springfield-queen-city-roller-derby-20120309,0,5364896.story

Furry Friend Friday!

Meet Oliver!

This week's Furry Friend is Oliver! Oliver is a mature adult Husky mix. He has a loving and friendly personality! Oliver is very smart and tries to please. He LOVES to play with toys. Oliver also loves getting and giving hugs and kisses. He is full of energy so he would do best with an active family. 

He needs lots of love and patience. Oliver is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations. Oliver is available for adoption at the Ozark adoption center, 2012 W. Garton Rd., Ozark, Mo 65721. 

If interested in Oliver, please call (417) 581-5008, email us at CARErescue@yahoo.com, or just stop by the adoption center. The adoption centers are open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. every day. For a list of all animals available for adoption, please visit, www.carerescue.org. 

If you are looking for an active companion who will show you unconditional love, Oliver is the perfect pet for you!

C.A.R.E. For A Pounding!

Come on out for “C.A.R.E. For A Pounding,” a co-ed bout hosted by Springfield's Queen City Roller Derby to benefit C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue!

The bout will be held at Springfield Skateland, 5163 S. Campbell, on Sunday, March 11 from 6 - 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

C.A.R.E. will have a space set up with a few dogs and cats that are looking for their forever homes. There will be also an entertaining C.A.R.E. animal half-time show.

If you bring any donation for the animals at C.A.R.E., monetary or items, you will be entered into a raffle to win some cool prizes! There will be a beer garden on the floor where you can see all the action as well as food and drink specials.

Tickets cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets are available at Springfield Skateland, Mojo Pie Hair Salon, and C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue. VIP passes are available for only $2 extra. This gets you reserved seating in the section of your choice and early admittance before the bout. 

This event is going to be a blast! So mark your calendars for March 11, come enjoy the Roller Derby bout and support the animals!

Furry Friend Friday!

Meet Griffon!

Griffon is this week's Furry Friend. He is a mature adult (6 years old) Newfoundland/Chow mix. He has a loving personality and tries to please! Griffon seems to be good with children of all ages. He bonds easily and is very devoted. He is most likely housebroken as well. Griffon would love a fenced yard! He has no special needs.


Griffon is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations. He is available at the Ozark adoption center which is located at 2012 W. Garton Rd., Ozark, Mo 65721.

If interested in Griffon, please call (417) 581-5008, email us at CARErescue@yahoo.com, or just stop by the adoption center. The adoption centers are open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. every day. For a list of all animals available for adoption, please visit www.carerescue.org.

C.A.R.E.'s 20th Anniversary!

Today is a special day for C.A.R.E.! No, not Valentines Day. Today is C.A.R.E.'s 20th anniversary! We have come such a long way in the past 20 years. 


In 1986, Director Melissa Sartin was upset after learning that her local pound killed animals after only three days. Other organizations were euthanizing 70 pets per day during the summer. Those were the only options for stray, injured and homeless animals because at this time “no-kill shelters” just did not exist. 


From 1987 to 1989, while still living at her parents home, Melissa began taking in strays and local pound animals and found them homes. By 1990, she had built makeshift kennels at her parent’s home and was working two jobs to pay for pet food and veterinary costs. In 1991, she began calling the rescue the “I Care Shelter.” It was quickly changed to C.A.R.E. (Castaway Animals Rescue Effort). Finally, on February 14, 1992, the shelter was licensed and registered as a non-profit corporation. C.A.R.E. was the first no-kill shelter in this area. Now, 20 years later, C.A.R.E. has rescued over 15,000 animals!

C.A.R.E. would like to give a special thanks to all of its awesome volunteers and donors. Without you, none of this would be possible! THANK YOU!


I will leave you with some inspiration:

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs to human society.

I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal; and I was angry.

"God," I said, "this is terrible, why don't you do something?"

There was silence for a moment and then the voice whispered softly, 

"I have done something, I created you!"

-Author Unknown

Soulmutt Success!

Our first ever "Find Your Soulmutt" event was held this Saturday, February 4, at WineStyles. It was a pet-adoption event modeled after speed dating. C.A.R.E. has never had an event like this in the past, so we were all so excited and nervous about it!

Each dog was set up at a table with a C.A.R.E. volunteer escort. Then, participants had the opportunity to spend a couple minutes with each dog. Participants could then contemplate their adoption decision over wine, cheese and entertainment!

All of us at C.A.R.E. agree that this event was such a success! We took 8 dogs to the event, and 4 went home with his/her perfect match that night!

Both KOLR10 and KY3 came out to get some footage of the event. Click on this link to see the segment from KY3!

Susan, Margo, and others assisted the media with coverage of the event.

C.A.R.E. had a great turnout of people!

Our musicians, Jeremy, Jack, and Sam really helped set the "date" mood. They are a very talented group of young men.

Cherie, a C.A.R.E. volunteer, escorted Remi, a Min-Pin/Sheltie mix, the evening of the event. Remi was adopted and is now living with her forever home. 

Volunteer of the Month - Marilyn Williams

The Volunteer for the month of January is Marilyn Williams! Marilyn volunteers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Springfield adoption center. She has been with C.A.R.E. since 2008. Marilyn helps with fundraising events, writes thank you notes to donors, goes on vet runs, and much more. She even painted the walls of the adoption center. She goes above and beyond, and is a spectacular volunteer. We appreciate Marilyn so much!

Marilyn recieved a Volunteer of the Month certificate to show our appreciation.

Find Your Soulmutt video!

This is just a little something I put together to promote the Find Your Soulmutt pet adoption event on February 4 at WineStyles. The event is the kick off to C.A.R.E.'s 20th anniversary celebration. Let me know what you all think! Don't forget to share this with your family and friends!

Join us for "Find Your Soulmutt" - Pet adoption event!

Mark your calendars! C.A.R.E. is excited to be kicking off its 20^th anniversary celebration with its first ever “Find Your Soulmutt” pet adoption event modeled after speed-dating. Just like many singles around Valentine’s Day, these dogs are just lookin’ for some lovin’. 

The event will be held WineStyles, 2640 S. Glenstone, on Saturday, February 4 from 6 – 8 p.m. 

Participants will spend a couple of minutes getting to know each dog and reviewing the entertaining descriptions that provide more information about the four-legged friends. Then, participants will make notes about their interaction with each dog and have some time, over wine, cheese and entertainment, to contemplate their adoption decision.

Admission into the event is free. There will be free wine-tasting and cheese available. Glasses and bottles of wine will be available for purchase.

Even if you are not in the market for another dog, you are welcome to join us in all the festivities! Please share this event with your friends.


We would also like to thank our sponsors; WineStyles, Copy Biz, and All About Dogs & Cats. We appreciate the support. C.A.R.E. is also still looking for a few more sponsors for this event. All donations are tax-deductible. 


For more information, please call (417) 875-6565 or email care.svenker@gmail.com.


Don't forget to like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (@CAREanimalrescu)!

Furry Friend Friday!

Meet Tom-Tom!

Tom-Tom is this week's Furry Friend. He is a three month old Border Collie/Miniature Pinscher mix. Tom-Tom is a curious little boy who has lots of love to give! He would love a family who could give him lots of TLC. 

Tom-Tom is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations. He is available at the Ozark adoption center which is located at 2012 W. Garton Rd., Ozark, Mo 65721. 

If interested in Tom-Tom, please call (417) 581-5008, email us at CARErescue@yahoo.com, or just stop by the adoption center. The adoption center is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. every day. For a list of all animals available for adoption, please visit www.carerescue.org. 

Welcome!

Welcome to C.A.R.E.'s new blog! This will be an outlet to keep everyone informed about what is new with the organization and all of the four-legged friends. I encourage all of you to follow this blog and stay up to date on new posts by entering your email address on the right side of the page.