GRIZZ UPDATE: Heartland SPCA Volunteer Kathi Thies and Grizz started the journey last night and stopped for the night at a hotel. The hotel normally charges $10 for a dog… but the front desk heard the story and told them not to worry. The trip today is going well! They just stopped for gas in Dix, Nebraska, and she said Grizz is doing great! Thank you Kathi Thies! You truly are a HERO for pets!

Check out our facebook page for additional photos: http://www.facebook.com/heartlandspca.

Thank you to the area media and others for helping us share Grizz’s AMAZING journey!

http://www.kmbc.com/news/30355082/detail.html

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/01/3404552/montana-dog-heads-home-after-kc.html#disqus_thread

Jan. 31, 2012

MERRIAM, KAN – The Heartland SPCA Lost Pet & Intake Center accepted a lost dog on Wednesday, Jan. 25^th with a microchip registered more than 1,200 miles away. Within 24 hours the dog’s microchip connected Heartland SPCA with his owner in Butte, Mont.

“The phone number affiliated with the microchip was disconnected,” Intake Coordinator Wendy Blair said. “However, we were successful in contacting the animal shelter where the dog was microchipped, and they had valid contact information for its owners.”

During standard intake procedures at the Heartland SPCA Lost Pet & Intake Center, the dog was scanned for microchip identification. Microchips are small, rice size devices that are implanted just underneath the skin. The permanent identification tool affiliates with a national database of registered identification numbers.

“We were thrilled to see a microchip,” Blair said. “This is the most effective way for us to reunite a pet with its owner.”

As luck would have it, the microchip identified the dog as “Grizz,” a one-year old Lab/Pit mix, with a loving home in Butte, MT.

“Grizz immediately stole our hearts,” Blair said. “Our standard behavior assessment reinforced that Grizz is a great dog. He is very sweet, patient, curious and even housetrained! He’s just been hanging out with rawhides and squeaky toys as we figure out his journey to return home.”

Longtime volunteer and friend of Heartland SPCA Kathi Thies immediately volunteered to drive Grizz half way home. Grizz’s owner is eager to meet her along the way in Cheyenne, Wyo.

“This is an incredible story of one pet’s journey to return home – all thanks to a microchip,” Wendy said. “Whether down the street or across the nation, this is what my job is all about. Without the microchip, the dedication of our volunteers and Grizz’s owner, this reunion would not be happening. ”

Volunteer Kathi Thies will prepare Grizz for his return home at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1^st at the Heartland SPCA Lost Pet & Intake Center at 9827 W. 67^th St. in Merriam, KS 66203.

The media is invited to attend and is encouraged to RSVP. Please contact Heartland SPCA Director of Marketing & Communications Emily Amos at (913) 742-7319, (620) 272-1677 or eamos@heartlandspca.org for more information.

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Heartland SPCA is a recent merger of Animal Haven and No More Homeless Pets KC. As the Greater Kansas City area’s most comprehensive resource for pets and their human companions, Heartland SPCA serves more than 18,000 pets each year. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Heartland SPCA works to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and their human companions providing humane sheltering, adoptions, and affordable spay/neuter and veterinary wellness services.

MERRIAM, KAN – Friends of Heartland SPCA are teasing their hair, pulling up their leg warmers and going “Back to the Future” for Martins Gala 2012: We Heart the ‘80s from 6:30 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4^th at the Overland Park Convention Center.

“Martinis Gala 2012: We Heart the ‘80s is our largest fundraiser of the year, and the best way to celebrate the joy that pets bring to our life,” CEO/Executive Director Courtney Thomas said.

All funds raised from the gala directly support the organization’s $4 million budget and mission to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and their human companions.

“The 2012 format has been totally revamped, and the theme leads to a more open atmosphere where guests can mingle and visit, enjoy sensational food and signature drinks, along with great music and entertainment,” Thomas said. “Get ready to go back – ‘Back to the Future!’”

Susan Hiland of Fox 4 News KC will emcee the evening. Eighties themed music and decor, silent and live auctions, and a surprise performance by a well-known celebrity will keep guests entertained and on their toes.

Generous volunteers will be transforming the Overland Park Convention Center into an ‘80s street scene. Boulevards will keep guests moving through the room, high-boy tables will allow for social conversation and various food stations will take taste buds on a ride.

Seven complete food stations will be strategically placed among the ‘80s street scenes including Italian Family Ties, Back to the Future Asian Style, Caribbean Cocktail, Greek Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Firey Mexican, Brat Pack BBQ and Ferris Bueller’s Vegan Day Out.

Guests are also invited to enjoy complimentary beer, wine and a signature “Electric Lemonade Mutt-ini.”

“Key sponsors and generous community support are allowing our non-profit to really offer an experience, all in celebration of the joy pets bring to our lives,” Thomas explains. “We’ll also have plenty of adoptable pets sharing the story of Heartland SPCA in an ‘80s themed dog park.”

Generous sponsors like Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, the Kenneth L. and Eva Smith Foundation, The Quinn Foundation and others will make the evening possible. And, the community has generously shown their support with both silent and live auction items.

“Tim Decker, a nationally recognized speed painter, will literally be making art in front of our eyes, combining music, art and humor in an interactive setting,” Thomas explained. “A private soccer lesson with Sporting KC, a once-in-a-lifetime Napa wine experience and a luxurious Colorado vacation will also be included in the live auction.”

Furthermore, Heartland SPCA will be offering an opportunity for one pet to receive the year-long honor of serving as Heartland SPCA’s pet ambassador. The 2012 Furry Face of Heartland SPCA will promote the Heartland SPCA full-service solution and save lives through recognition on Heartland SPCA’s website and promotional materials.

“Elaina G Photography will coordinate the Furry Face of Heartland SPCA with a special sitting,” Thomas said. “And, the Nigro Brothers will keep the live auction informative and entertaining.”

Attire is also key to personal entertainment. Guests are invited to dress to impress with everything from big hair and skinny ties to Swatch watches and leg warmers.

“Ultimately, Martinis Gala: 2012: We Heart the ‘80s will be the party of the ‘decade,’ and will make it possible for us to continue to serve the more than 18,000 pets who depend on us each year,” Thomas said. “Show your support by donating to, attending or sponsoring Martinis Gala 2012: We Heart the ‘80s!”

Sponsorship opportunities and various ticket packages are available beginning at $150 for purchase online or by contacting Special Events Manager Amy Atha at (913) 742-7335 or aatha@heartlandspca.org.

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CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS >>>

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At Heartland SPCA, we believe that no matter what their size, shape or story, all dogs and cats deserve the chance to live long, happy and healthy lives. That’s why our team of experts works hard every day to be a lifeline to a better future for pets by providing comprehensive, affordable medical care, adoption services and innovative community programs. Because we know that with a little support, people and pets can build a bond unlike any other, creating happier homes and a community that values life, love.

Heartland SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Thank you to our 2012 sponsors!

Epic Sponsor $25,000

The Quinn Foundation

The Kenneth L. & Eva Smith Foundation

To The Max $10,000

Pat & Janet Curran

Beth & Jeff Dillow

Totally Awesome $5,000

Bayer Animal Health
Friends of KC Animals
Husch Blackwell
Sporting KC

Radical $2,500

The Bradley W. and Linda J. Nicholson Foundation Fund
Garmin
Kathleen Kunkler
T-Kennels
White Goss Bowers March Schulte & Weisenfels
Woof’s Play & Stay

MERRIAM, KAN. – Twenty dogs were transferred to Heartland SPCA’s Lost Pet & Intake Center this afternoon, including a transport from MeadowBrook Safe Harbor in Wichita, KS and the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Recent strong adoptions for small breed dogs and puppies have opened up shelter space to give more pets the chance at forever homes.

MeadowBrook Safe Harbor transferred eight Labrador Retriever Mix puppies and seven adult dogs of various small breeds. The rescue organization felt that transferring the pets into a pet adoption program with high placement counts of puppies and small breeds would give the animals a new opportunity to quickly find forever homes.

“MeadowBrook initially reached out to our vice president inquiring about our available space. Today our HERO Program Manager met their representative in Emporia to complete the transfer,” Intake Coordinator Wendy Blair said. “They really wanted to use relocation as a method to quickly find these pets forever homes.”

Upon arrival to the Heartland SPCA Lost Pet & Intake Center, the dogs were immediately removed from the transport vehicle into clean kennels. The animals were then given an initial health examination and provided with standard intake vaccinations.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture also transferred three adult Keeshond dogs and two Weimaraner puppies from extreme situations.

“We were told that the puppies had been kept in a chicken coop,” Blair said. “They definitely need a good groom, but they look very social and happy to be in our care.

Pending healthy release to the Heartland SPCA Pet Adoption Center, each pet will receive the complete Heartland SPCA Pet Adoption Package including veterinary examination, age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, permanent microchip identification and flea and heartworm preventative.

During their stay with Heartland SPCA, generous donations of canned puppy food, puppy appropriate toys, paper towels and Clorox brand bleach are needed. To show your support, donations can be delivered to the Heartland SPCA Lost Pet & Intake Center at 9827 W. 67^th St. in Merriam, KS 66203.

For more information about animal transfers and pet adoptions, contact Shelter Director Joe Hinkle at (913) 742-7323 or jhinkle@heartlandspca.org.

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Melody can be summed up in one word — awesome! Melody is a three-year-old Maltese Mix and is just adorable! This pretty pooch was found in a local park by a nice gentleman who brought her to us. We have been unable to find her people, so she is all set to move into a new forever home. She is a happy, wiggly, playful girl with a heart full of love that she is ready to share with her new family. Just think about coming home at the end of a long day and being greeted by the joyful kisses of your snugly canine friend.

She recently enjoyed a spa day compliments of Cut n Cuddle in Overland Park, in celebration of Walt Disney’s LADY AND THE TRAMP coming out on Diamond Edition DVD on Tuesday, February 7th. Come by the Pet Adoption Center now through Valentine’s Day to register to win a Walt Disney Lady & The Tramp Diamond Edition DVD and see all of our wonderful pets looking for forever homes!

To learn more about Melody, check out her segment on Fox 4 KC’s Morning News!

Meet Shawn. He was abandoned at a local pet store, and now he is at Heartland SPCA looking for his forever home. He is very affectionate and greatly enjoys his lap time. Shawn will purr and purr and purr, amping it up as he makes muffins on your legs. He likes to put his face up to yours and give “kitty kisses” as he bumps noses or rubs on your chin. He will make a wonderful companion. Come visit Shawn today at Heartland SPCA!

Hi, I’m Pilot, and I came to Heartland SPCA as a stray with a wound on my neck. The staff here thinks I might have scratched it on a fence and truth be told, I don’t really remember what happened. They cleaned it up and held me in their Lost Pet Center for a couple of days saying something about “needing to give my owners a chance to find me.” Well, no one came looking for me, so they got me all ready for adoption and moved me to their adoption facility. They said something else about me getting all A’s on behavior. I can be a little loud when people walk by my kennel, but I am just trying to get your attention. There is a lot of action here and sometimes it can be a little difficult to relax. Are you looking of a younger dog who already knows some tricks, is good on leash and already knows where I should go to the bathroom (though I may have an accident or two at first). Well, look no further because I am your man! I’m smart, I’m lovable, I’m playful…what else can you ask for in a new dog?! Just look at that face, seriously, look at my picture. Aren’t I adorable? How could you ever say no to those eyes? Please stop by Heartland and meet me today! I would love to be settled into my new home by this weekend!

I’m a nice sturdy guy with a curious and affectionate personality. Hello there, I’m Martin! Take a look at my wonderful, expressive face – are you telling me you can resist me? You had better come in right now and spend some time with me – you’ll soon see what a treasure I am. Just let me hang out with you and you’ll feel relaxed and happy, too. I’m content to sit in your lap and watch TV with you or help you read the paper. Wouldn’t it be great to have a loyal little buddy like me in your life?