Page 34 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2024

HAPPY TAILS FROM HSSM ADOPT, DON’T SHOP.
In today’s digital age, the quest for the perfect pet often leads potential pet owners to scroll through endless social media posts from backyard breeders. Yet, amid the myriad of online choices, a silent crisis unfolds in local animal shelters across the nation. According to the ASPCA, only a staggering 23 percent of dogs and 31 percent of cats are adopted from animal shelters nationally. The Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) stands at the forefront of this crisis, particularly grappling with an overwhelming influx of large breed dogs desperately in need of loving homes.
Adopting from a local animal shelter like HSSM is not just a
compassionate choice; it's a necessary action to address a growing
societal issue. When you choose to adopt, you are directly impacting
the life of an animal in need, offering them a second chance at a happy, healthy life. This is especially critical for large breed dogs, which often face longer shelter stays due to their size and the misconceptions surrounding them.
Moreover, the current market competition driven by online platforms and social media has created a skewed perception of pet adoption. The ease of acquiring pets through these channels has overshadowed the urgent need within local shelters. This trend not only undermines the efforts of shelters, but also perpetuates a cycle where the most vulnerable animals are left without a loving home.
Adopting from your local shelter is a powerful statement against this trend.
It is an affirmation that every animal, regardless of breed or size, deserves a loving home. It supports the tireless efforts of organizations like HSSM, which work relentlessly to care for and rehome these animals. By choosing to adopt, you are not just gaining a pet; you are saving a life. You are also fostering
a compassionate community that values the well-being of all animals and advocates for stricter animal ordinances and spay/neuter laws to address the pet overpopulation crisis in South Mississippi. This not only helps control the number of homeless animals but also ensures shelters have the capacity to care for lost and stray pets.
So, the next time you think about adding a furry member to your family, please consider visiting your local animal shelter. The perfect pet may not be the one you find online, but the one waiting for you in the kennels of HSSM, right here in your own community. Come meet your new best friend and be ready to fill your home with unconditional love and loyalty.
Check out our local celebrities that have graciously opened their homes to pets adopted from The Humane Society of South Mississippi.
CEO, HSSM
2615 25TH AVE., GULFPORT 228.863.3354 INFO@HSSM.ORG
TUESDAY-FRIDAY: 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
TABLE OF CONTENTS “Play Ball”...................................................35
Biloxi Shuckers
“Fairy Dog Mothers” ..................................36
Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Rescue Dog Day Out ...................................37
Shaggy’s
From Tragic Tales to Fairytails ...................38
IP Casino Resort Spa
Meant to Be.................................................38 Capturing Hearts...........................................39
M2 Media Corp.
Loyalty at Its Best........................................40
Bacot Foundation of South Mississippi
A “Heart-Worming” Story..........................41
Inside Outside Kitchen and Bath
The Best of Friends.....................................42
Stinson Group
For Pitties Sake ............................................42
Hair + Tonic
34 | July 2024
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
Lori West with Vivi Marie, Sally Walker, and Baker. HSSM adopted pets.
A Paw to Action