News
Dog Day Afternoon Event, Oct 12, to Help Repair Gustav-Damaged Rescue
October 06, 2008, 3:55PM MT
By Patty Meehan
HOPE for Animals, Thibodeaux, LA
HOPE for Animals, Thibodeaux, LA
By Patty Meehan, BFAS Network Volunteer
HOPE for Animals (Humane Organization for the Protection and Education for Animals) is a non-profit companion animal rescue organization located in Thibodaux, LA. Incorporated fourteen years ago, HOPE actively serves the Lafourche Parish, and assists in other parishes, including Terrebonne and Assumption, in taking in homeless animals, both cats and dogs. HOPE volunteer Joey Hebert reports that last year they successfully rescued and rehomed over 200 animals.
All HOPE kitties are privately fostered, as are some of their rescued dogs. Many of the dogs, however, are housed at the Country Inn Kennels, where kennel owner Mr. Penn Weldon generously donates space to the HOPE dogs. A few weeks ago, Hurricane Gustav caused severe damage in many areas of Louisiana, including Thibodeaux, effectively destroying the Country Inn Kennels.
According to Joey, a 100 year old pecan tree fell, destroying six kennels and causing the whole structure to shift, leaving it structurally unsound.
More photos of the damage can be seen here.
HOPE has had to suspend its rescue operations and is housing all dogs in foster homes while they are working hard to repair their kennels. More foster homes for their dogs are badly needed.
As a non-profit organization, HOPE is reliant upon the financial support of its members. All funding comes from dues, donations, sponsorships of individual animals, and fundraisers. HOPE’s two biggest events are Dog Day Afternoon and Bone Appetite' Gala, in July. They also host a dog walk/Mardi Gras parade and several dinners (jambalaya and white beans/ baked chicken with sides - all sold by the plate) throughout the year.
This year, their Dog Day Afternoon fundraiser is being held at Peltier Park in Thibodeaux, Sunday, October 12, 2008. It’s a day packed with fun activities for dogs and their people, and HOPE is counting on a really good turnout, so that they can repair their kennels and resume their rescue work. To see the complete schedule of all the Dog Day Afternoon events, click here.
HOPE for Animals attends Petsmart Adoption days on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the store in Houma, LA. They also show at Petco and have their sweethearts on Petfinder.
To read more about HOPE for Animals, see the wonderful companion they have for adoption, or to get more information, please visit their website at www.hopeforanimals.com.
Photo by HOPE for the Animals, Dog Day Afternoon 2007