Page 56 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2024

GIVING BACK
SAVE A LIFE THIS
HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTH MISSISSIPPI HOLIDAY SEASON
story and photo courtesy of the Humane Society of South Mississippi
Every year, approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters across the U.S. – and the crisis of pet overpopulation is felt just as deeply here in South Mississippi.
The Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) is on the frontlines, caring for an average of 350-400 animals daily as
an open-admissions shelter. Through relentless dedication and ongoing fundraising efforts, HSSM has made significant strides in improving the lives of animals in our community. They’ve reinvested these vital resources into expanding your local animal shelter, constructing two new wings specially designed to provide safe and comfortable spaces for large dogs. At the same time, they’re continuously renovating existing areas to ensure even more animals have a secure environment where they can receive the essential care they deserve.
Recognizing a critical gap in veterinary access in South Mississippi, HSSM took a bold step in 2018 by launching
the Community Wellness Clinic. Since then, the clinic has flourished, expanding its services and broadening its reach, helping thousands of community pets receive the care they need. Just this year, they’ve served over 9,000 animals and contributed more than $91,000 through grants and fundraising to provide discounted essential services for pets in need.
However, despite these extraordinary achievements, HSSM
cannot tackle the growing challenge of pet overpopulation alone. That’s why they’ve launched the Advocacy Initiative
– a call to action for the community to unite in creating lasting, positive change for animals across the region. With a steadfast commitment to adoption, fostering, and spay/neuter efforts, HSSM is determined to continue making a profound impact and ensuring a brighter future for all animals in South Mississippi.
One of the most direct ways you can help this holiday season is by contributing to the cost of nutritional care for a shelter pet. Your donation can have an immediate and tangible impact:
• $25 sponsors a dog’s meals for one week
• $100 sponsors a dog’s meals for one month
• $600 sponsors a dog’s meals for six months
• $1,200 sponsors a dog’s meals for an entire year
If you’re unable to adopt, please consider supporting these animals with a financial contribution or by becoming an advocate for their well-being. Your generosity can make a world of difference to homeless pets in South Mississippi. For more information on how you can help, reach out to donate@hssm. org, and sign up for advocacy alerts and educational updates
at hssm.org/be-an-advocate. Together, we can make a better future for South Mississippi’s most vulnerable animals.
Bacot Foundation of South Mississippi
Together We Are Making a Difference
www.bacotfoundation.org
56 | December 2024
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living