Page 36 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2024

HAPPY TAILS FROM HSSM ADOPT, DON’T SHOP. “Fairy Dog Mothers”
Every fairy-tail needs a fur-ever-home hero, and the Humane Society of South Mississippi has a behind-the-scenes dynamic duo with a myriad of generous donations and calls to action.
LuAnn Pappas, CEO of the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, and Vicki Haskins, director of casino marketing, are both dog moms, doggie aunties to each other’s pups, and considered “fairy dog mothers” by the Humane Society.
“And if it weren’t for LuAnn, I probably wouldn’t have Ellie,” Haskins said of the Standard Poodle she adopted at the 2021 Rock N Roll Over event. She added Pappas was hugging and kissing Ellie and she just knew the pooch was meant to be part of her family.
“LuAnn spotted her first, and I think we both knew I was going to have to adopt her,” Haskins said.
The Scarlet Pearl has partnered with the Humane Society in numerous ways for almost 10 years and regularly participates in supply collection drives and monetary donations.
“Taking care of those little ones is such a hard job and we want to help and make it as easy as possible for the people who work there,” Pappas said, adding raising money for the Humane Society is also at the top of the wish-granting list.
The annual Rock N Roll Over event is the largest fundraiser for HSSM and has participants pulling out their checkbooks to bid
on, and if victorious take home, adoptable cats and dogs in a silent auction. Pappas, however, secretly bids on animals and when she’s successful, she asks the Humane Society to find the fur baby a home with a family who wants a pet but cannot afford the adoption fee.
“My hope is that it raises the bids a little, but more importantly I want someone who wants an animal to get the animal they want while we accomplish raising money for the Humane Society,” Pappas said.
And they also get to have a little fun when it comes to supporting HSSM.
Ellie is the reigning Queen of Barkloxi which was announced in February at the 2024 Mardi Gras PAWrade at Point Cadet in Biloxi. The annual event is sponsored by the Humane Society and Pappas’
dog Bella was the outgoing 2023 Queen of Barkloxi.
“Ellie and Bella were so good,” Haskins said. “It’s such a cute,
family event that’s great for the community.”
photo by
Arielle Victoria
Ellie.
LuAnn Pappas.
Vicki Haskins.
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.
36 | July 2024
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