Skin and bones, starving, and left to fend on its own.  An all too familiar scene being played out over and over again all across America.  In one small town area, it is happening much too often. After seeing bad situations for animals time and time again, one could lose hope. But if hope is lost, what chance is there for the animals who find themselves in horrific situations through no fault of their own?  

There are thousands of rescues groups all across America. However, you will be hard pressed to find one with the heart and soul of Tunica Humane Society. Led by Sandy Williams, this fearless group rescues around 1,000 dogs each year. They have collectively rescued over 8,000 dogs from the streets in their county and have spay/neutered countless others. One of their most successful rescues is the story of Fluffy Dog. 

 Fluffy Dog had survived on the streets for years in Desoto County, Ms.  Attempts to capture her had failed over and over.  She was so street smart, no one could get close to her and she wouldn't go anywhere near a live trap.   She was surviving in one of the busiest traffic areas of Southaven.  They received 2 pleas on the same day, asking Tunica HS for help to bring Fluffy to safety.   Operation Fluffy Dog was started on a Monday night.   They got to know her routine very quickly.  By Thursday night, she was getting close enough to Sandy to eat from her hand.   On Friday night they captured Fluffy Dog at 2 am in the morning.  When she laid down and went to sleep, they quickly wrapped her in a blanket and got her in their van.  Because they had shared her rescue mission on social media, it was the RESCUE heard round the world.  People from foreign countries congratulated them.  Everyone had fallen in love with Fluffy Dog and thousands celebrated when her struggles were finally over.  Fluffy Dog still lives with Sandy and the team today at the Tunica shelter.  She feels safe and secure there and has a best friend named Rusty.  Tunica Humane Society is their home.

One of their most heartbreaking stories was about a little black dog, Joey, who was abandoned when his owner went to jail. Joey was surviving in a neighborhood, starving before people's eyes and no one lifted a hand to help him.  It wasn't until his picture appeared on their Facebook page that Sandy became aware of his plight.   He was spotted by a delivery man who then reached out to the rescue for help.  Sandy went and located Joey that very day.  His condition was extremely critical.  His stomach was full of rocks.  Joey was so hungry, he had been eating rocks to try and stay alive.  After several surgeries, Joey made a miraculous recovery and he was adopted to a beautiful family on Christmas Eve.   Joey is a stunningly beautiful dog today. 

Prior to 2008, stray dogs that were picked up stayed in a six pen dog pound located behind the Tunica County Jail. Their days were numbered at that point. After lingering for 3-5 days, the stray dogs were euthanized with never having a chance to be adopted. This was unacceptable to Sandy and her sister.  Overnight, they took Tunica County from an all kill to a No Kill shelter. They made a deal with their county that they would respond to every single call that came in about an unwanted animal. Tunica Humane Society was born and survives to this day 100% on donations and grants. Their deep, abiding passion and hard work has helped build a facility in Tunica County that on any given day houses around 150 dogs and cats. Their motto is “Love Lives Here” and that is obvious to anyone who enters through their doors. They make the happiness and well-being of their shelter animals their utmost priority. Every animal in their care is petted, exercised, hugged, and most importantly LOVED every single day. Sandy knows that they can’t save the world, but for the animals that are lucky enough to find their way to their shelter, they know they will be loved for the rest of their lives; even if they never get adopted. They will always be a part of the Tunica Humane Society family. 

When you have a moment, visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tunica.humanesociety) or checkout their website (http://www.tunicahumanesociety.com/). I warn you though, it is not for the faint of heart. You would be hard pressed to find another such fiercely compassionate and loving director determined to save them all. When you go to their website, you will see the following:

 The Animals' Savior

Jim Willis 1999 I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society.  I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.  And I was angry.  "God," I said, "this is terrible!  Why don't you do something?  God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly.  "I have done something," He replied.... "I created you" 

It is obvious that Sandy took this quote personally. When you see Sandy holding the animals just as they are feeling love for the first time, your heart breaks. You feel anger at the situation and relief that it is over, all at the same time. Those of us involved in the rescue world can take comfort knowing people like Sandy are out there, ever watchful for the next situation where THS will be needed. Unfortunately, there will be another. And another. And another. We at Pets 4 Christ can’t be there in person to help, but we will do everything in our power from where we are to spread the word about the amazing work Sandy and her staff are doing. Because the truth is, they ARE saving the world….one rescue at a time. Check out their website and help if you can; whether it is financially or just through prayer. May God bless and keep this rescue forever close to Him.