Humane Society of Missouri

 

Meet Willie

At HSMO, we are dedicated to second chances for all animals that arrive at our doors — large and small — including puppies like Willie.

Willie was only a few months old when he was attacked by another dog in his home. The injuries were severe—he was suffering from multiple puncture wounds to both eyes. His face was so swollen and painful, he could barely be touched.

His family brought him to a veterinarian, where emergency surgery was recommended. Unfortunately, they couldn’t afford the care he needed and chose to surrender him to the Humane Society of Missouri.

Willie was quickly evaluated by our shelter veterinarians and given pain relief and emergency treatment. His right eye couldn’t be saved and was surgically removed, but his left eye began to heal. Even with facial injuries, he remained full of energy. 

Willie’s recovery went well, and he didn’t stay in the shelter long. One of our staff members had been keeping a close eye on him from the start. Once he was medically cleared, she officially made him part of her family.

Today, Willie lives with his adopter and their other dog, Hank — a fellow German Shepherd dog. Willie has adapted beautifully and is thriving in his new home. He’s playful, happy, and loved.

Willie after surgeryWillie on adoption dayWillie at home

 

Meet Chance

We are on-call 24/7/365 to rescue animals from abuse and neglect — including ponies like Chance. 

In August 2024, a concerned citizen reached out to Lincoln County law enforcement about a pony with severely overgrown hooves and numerous dogs running loose on a property. Our Animal Cruelty Taskforce was contacted when the owner refused to seek vet care. 

We named him Chance. His condition showed signs of long-term neglect. His hooves had grown so long they curled inward, placing painful strain on his tendons. All four legs were affected, making it difficult for him to walk. He also had an eye infection, internal parasites, and a thick, matted coat that couldn’t be clipped until he was properly bathed and groomed. 

Bloodwork revealed he had Cushing’s disease, a chronic condition that would need long-term management. 

At Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, Chance began treatment. He needed multiple corrective hoof trimmings and medication for thrush, a painful infection in his hooves caused by neglect. Slowly, he began to heal. After several weeks, he was well enough to spend time in turnout paddocks. He remained sore for a while and required pain meds as his strength returned, but each week brought visible improvement. 

By March 2025, Chance had a new future. He was adopted by a family with young children, where he’ll enjoy a peaceful retirement, regular care, and plenty of attention.

Chance on the propertyChance's hooves were in rough shapeChance on adoption day

Meet Winchester

Our goal is to place 100% of adoptable animals while providing veterinary care, enrichment and one-on-one attention to every animal in our care — including cats like Winchester. 

During a dangerous summer heatwave, authorities responded to a welfare check and found the resident unresponsive. Inside the home, they discovered 42 animals living in filthy, unsafe conditions. There was no air conditioning, no fans, and no ventilation. Some animals were in cages too small to move; others were crammed onto a closed porch without fresh air or water. 

The animals were covered in filth, many with severe matting. Our Animal Cruelty Taskforce was called in to rescue them. Among them was an orange Persian cat. His fur was so matted that parts of his back had to be shaved. Despite everything, he was friendly and affectionate from the start. 

After a court granted us custody, the animals began receiving veterinary care, grooming, and spay/neuter procedures. Most were adopted quickly, but Winchester remained in our care for another month due to ongoing GI issues. 

Eventually, he was adopted by a staff member who had been looking for another Persian cat. He quickly settled into his new home with two rescue dogs, and plenty of food and toys!

Winchester on rescue dayWinchester recoveringWinchester adopted