The relationship between people and their pets in its purest form consists of mutual devotion. The animals grow up lovingly cared for, and in return they offer their owners unconditional affection.
Unfortunately, not all stories are picturesque. Sometimes the relationship is broken, and animals face abuse, neglect or abandonment. That’s when places like the Humane Society of Clark County step in to change the narrative.
Jesse Jones, director of the Humane Society, commits the majority of his time to the center. He manages the HSCC and cares for the creatures under his wing.
“The director’s job is to run the facility. That’s what I do. I take care of the animals and maintenance on the building and help run fundraisers,” Jones said.
Working faithfully alongside Jones are the volunteers, his wife included among them. This team shares the same goal of overseeing as many adoptions as possible.
“I’ve got people that [have] been here volunteering for 20 years,” Jones said. “They will continue to be here…that’s how passionate everybody is about the animals.”
Jones and his volunteers work to make these victims feel safe again, but as with any case of abuse, the animals don’t recover—emotionally or physically—that easily.
“It takes weeks and sometimes months for an abused dog to get used to getting treated right,” Jones said. “Seeing it hurts me more than anything.”
The HSCC currently houses more rescues than Pongo and Perdita. “I have about 45 dogs and about 88 cats,” Jones said.
With all their furry residents, it can be challenging to give every one personalized attention. To help remedy this, the Humane Society allows folks to play with the animals and even take some on walks for a block of time.
Jones knows the value of these outings.
“The dogs need to get out and get some exercise and be social. It helps with adoptions…they’re more used to people,” Jones said.
Lucky for the college kids, they can “rent” them for free.
“I don’t charge because the whole point of them coming down here is to…have fun and help,” Jones said. “If they miss their animal—if they’re miles and miles away from seeing their animals—then they can come down here and visit with mine.”
While Jones and the volunteers appreciate the students who spend time doting on their tenants, one of the best ways they can benefit the Humane Society is to volunteer. Some of their needs include cleaning kennels, sweeping and giving baths. Although hopefully temporary, the HSCC is indeed home for these animals. Keeping it tidy and organized helps to make it a comfortable one.
To learn more about out how to donate, fundraise or volunteer, visit http://humanesocietyclarkcounty.org or call their office at 870-245-1469.
Part of what gives Jones hope as he works in a field that is heartbreaking yet rewarding is the knowledge that there are others across the country laboring just as diligently to change the outcome of these bleak scenarios.
He also feels uplifted by the animals’ cheerful spirits; he likes “coming in every day and seeing them wag their tails or meow at me. They’re happy,” Jones said.
