In 1974, a group of animal lovers concerned about the number of unwanted and homeless pets in Eureka Springs, AR, founded the Good Shepherd Humane Society. The mission of Good Shepherd is threefold: to care for the stray, abandoned and unwanted dogs and cats of Carroll County, placing as many as possible into loving homes; to promote responsible pet ownership and humane treatment for all animals; and to help reduce pet-overpopulation by promoting and providing low-cost spay/neuter programs. Good Shepherd is the only rescue shelter in Carroll County, so they work closely with city animal control officers to rescue and rehome stray dogs and cats.

Through the years, the shelter has had different homes, moving to the current facility in 1988. The facility houses, on average, 30 to 35 dogs and 50 to 60 cats. Good Shepherd does not euthanize animals for lack of space, so those who need a little longer to find the “purrfect” forever home have that chance. Matching those families and homeless animals are a blessing for Good Shepherd staff and members.

Everyone loves a happy ending and from time to time, the staff at Good Shepherd enjoys reunions between lost pets and their owners. In May of 2012, a woman dropped by the shelter just to visit the dogs. While walking past the row of cages, she looked at a little Chihuahua-mix and called out the name, “Minnie!” The dog responded. Minnie had disappeared more than two years earlier. When the woman failed to find her dog, she assumed her companion had been killed. Needless to say, both dog and owner, as well as everyone at Good Shepherd, were overjoyed. Another time Good Shepherd received a call about a lost terrier-mix, and a short time later a second woman called reporting a stray terrier-mix. Luckily, the two women were talking about the same dog, and Good Shepherd was able to help return the prodigal terrier to his greatly relieved owners.

Good Shepherd offers a low-cost spay and neuter program. With proof of residency, Carroll county families get a reduced rate. Residents who meet income guidelines can receive an additional reduction.

Good Shepherd Humane Society is a 501(c)3 organization that receives no governmental assistance. The organization raises money for programs and operations through surrender and adoption fees, fundraisers, the generous contributions of members and the public, and now through AdoptAShelter.com.

They also welcome calls from folks who want to donate time, resources, or equipment. The website for Good Shepherd maintains a “wish list” of items, such as cleaning supplies, towels, and animal care items. They always need new large kennel panels to repair and expand our outdoor kennel runs (which you can order through AdoptAShelter.com).

 

Visit the shelter website at http://www.goodshepherd-hs.org/ or view their adoptable animals on Petfinder.com or Adoptapet.com.