Thanks to a successful Benton Animal Services campaign started by volunteer at the first of the year + an overwhelming outpouring of support, 22 dogs are now safe and warm in foster care. This is an inspiring reminder of how much difference a community can make.
A volunteer-led donation drive in December brought in 44 elevated beds and 80+ blankets to help keep the dogs in outdoor kennels warm. Shelter staff worked tirelessly in preparation for the cold snap, providing thick comforters and wrapping the outdoor kennels in tarp and canvas. But the winter chill underscored the urgency for a warmer solution.
Enter the Benton community and 22 dogs foster families. Now Casino, Johnny, Bonner, and Cassie are experiencing life with families outside the kennel gate. Even Bonner who hasn’t seen the inside of a home for more than 315 days, is comfy and cozy.
Fostering is vital year-round. It offers immediate relief for animals as well as shelters and rescue organizations working to save lives. With ongoing challenges of limited funding, resources, volunteers and space as well as the animal overpopulation crisis reaching a critical mass – shelters like Benton Animal Services have to get creative. This remarkable success of 22 dogs in foster care is a testament to what can be accomplished when the community comes together. It’s not just saving lives; it’s showing the power of compassion.
Construction of the new Benton shelter facility is slated to begin this month with all indoor kennels. The shelter will continue providing compassionate care for animals in need and building connections with the community for more adoptions and foster opportunities.
Contact Adoption Coordinator Mallori Howard for more information:
501-776-5972 | mallori.howard@bentonar.org
