Paws for Thought

by Terry Trahan, Jr.

Beau’s tongue catches the breeze as he brushes against his master’s heel. Frank Sinatra curls into the corner, scatting a few purrs before his tail taps to the smooth rhythm of sleep. Together, they represent at least 80 dogs and cats that have taken shelter at the Humane Organization for the Protection and Education for Animals, a non-profit animal rescue group based in Thibodaux.

In 1994, Ruth Chiasson helped to establish HOPE for Animals because of what she calls an “epidemic” that left many pets homeless, neglected and abused throughout the tri-parish area. Committed to rescuing animals suffering in these conditions, she paid out of her own pocket to house and treat the animals she cared for. Ruth wanted to get the community involved, so she held a meeting at her house to gather volunteers who were interested in joining her cause. Jeff Dorson, executive director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, supported Ruth’s grassroots movement and helped to mold HOPE for Animals into what it is today.

HOPE for Animals continues its mission just as it did 16 years ago. The organization has two private facilities that provide shelter for dogs and cats. The facilities fill to capacity, but foster homes take in the rest of the rescued pets.

“We prefer to get the animals into foster homes first,” says Bridget Mire, a member who joined the organization in 2005 to accumulate high school service hours. “We want to save them all, but there’s a lack of space.”

Though HOPE for Animals does have to bring out the waiting list occasionally, the group sticks to its no-kill policy, choosing only to euthanize terminally ill cats and dogs. Volunteers care for the animals until they find permanent homes. Each animal receives proper veterinary care, in addition to being spayed or neutered in an attempt to curb overpopulation.

“All the animals that are adopted out are healthy animals,” Ruth says. “We try to socially get the animals with the right family.”

The pets that families adopt from the foster homes are house trained and have learned basic obedience skills. The challenge arises when matching an animal to the right family. Some pets are kid-friendly, while others require special treatment. HOPE for Animals works to get the pairing just right.

The adoption process requires potential pet owners to fill out an application, including a $60 donation for cats and $75 for dogs. HOPE for Animals then screens veterinary references and sends a volunteer to the home to determine if the pet and potential owners are compatible. Adopted dogs require a fenced yard, and cats must remain indoors.

Volunteers share a bond with the animals they care for, but they know that the adoption cycle allows their rescue efforts to continue on.

“It is difficult to let the animals go,” Bridget says. “It’s bittersweet when they leave, but we know they’re in a better place. Our ultimate goal is that we wouldn’t have to existóthat there would be no need to rescue.”

The reality is that the need to rescue remains at the top of their priority list. Ruth recently received a call about four black dogs left along Highway 307 in Kraemer. Three of the puppies found shelter in the arms of a volunteer who answered Ruth’s call.

“They are the lucky ones,” Ruth says. “Those were dogs who would have starved to death or been hit by cars.”

Not anymore. They, along with 80 others, now await their forever homes.

“Dogs and cats are our primary focus,” Bridget says. “They give you so much in return for saving their lives.”