Hearts United for Animals

12/30/2024

Your support saves lives. Here are some of the HUA dogs who have found wonderful new homes this year. They are eternally grateful for your donations that have made all of their wishes come true.

Jadie was originally brought to the HUA shelter several years ago because her family claimed there was no time for her. Caregivers and volunteers adored her, and she was always sweet to the humans, but for whatever reason it took a long time for this darling girl to find her new family. She is now the most contented dog in the world to have a family who lets her be the genuine lap dog she always wanted to be.

Zwarte was found as a stray in Texas. His entire body was covered in cigarette burns, and he was terrified of people. The HUA staff and volunteers worked tirelessly with this beautiful blue-eyed boy, trying to convince him that he would never come to any harm again. A plea on Facebook grabbed the attention of a kind couple who understood trauma as they already had a dog who had been mistreated. Zwarte's sister Blossom has helped him to gain confidence, and he has helped her with her anxiety. They are now two peas in a pod.

Baby Mastiff Margaret and her siblings were taken from a terrible situation of hoarding and neglect. She was a clumsy, silly, trusting puppy despite her former living situation. Volunteers had trouble convincing Margaret that she was not a lap dog. Her special new parents don't mind a hefty puppy warming their laps in the least. Apparently, they are already well-accustomed to it.

Porkchop's person got into some legal trouble and this darling Chihuahua had nowhere to go. There was no adjustment period for this fellow as Porkchop could not help himself--he was the happiest dog in the world and not a single thing got him down. His new family knew he had something special, and Porkchop now volunteers as a pet companion. He is perfectly suited for emotional support due to his endless quest to spread joy wherever he goes.

The HUA general manager found puppy Aurora on the country lane leading to the shelter. She stopped and opened the car door and in Aurora jumped. She was a funny girl with a flair for the dramatic, and if something displeased her (such as the end of a nice, long walk) everyone knew it. At home, she is as busy as a beaver, hiking over 45 miles through the mountains, kayaking, attending an outdoor concert and going to work with her new mom. She is a loyal companion to her much smaller sister and an amazing addition to her new family.

Mocha Poodle was part of a large breeder release. He knew nothing about love or affection, having never experienced kindness from humans. He was untrusting and skittish when he arrived but we knew he could overcome his fears with a little bit of patience and understanding. His new home helped him to do that and he was a shining star while manning a booth at the Kansas State Fair.

Ivy was in a shelter in California when severe flooding caused overcrowdiing. Family dogs needed temporary housing while their families were displaced, so many dogs who were already there came to HUA. She was a dog with a most wonderful temperament, sweet to all of the humans and even a rowdy roommate who needed the occasional correction from Ivy. She adores children, and now her days are spent walking her human siblings to and from school, and reveling in their company when they are home. She is a kind and gentle soul who found the perfect family who adores her.

This represents just a handful of the many HUA dogs who found their forever homes in 2024. Your continued support will help us save other deserving souls in 2025. We thank you for your love and generosity, and wish you a very Happy New Year. Please make your year-end donation now by visiting our website at www.hua.org!

12/29/2024

Happy New Year, sweet babies! 💖☃️🎉

12/27/2024

Waylon and Ismay came to HUA when their human lost his home. They are the most fun Labby dogs ever. They both love to play with the other dogs, their toys and the volunteers and caregivers. They very much enjoy a nice walk on the leash but running around in the big yards is even more fun. Waylon and Ismay are littermates--born in 2021--and good friends, and although we would love for them to find a new home together they are each happy enough on their own. They are amazing kids who will cherish a family, and as typical Labs, they are certain to bring lots of joy and happiness to their new people.

Waylon and Ismay are not yet featured on our website but we are accepting adoption applications for them here - https://hua.org/adoption-process/!

PS - Waylon is the handsome chocolate boy and Ismay is the adorable yellow gal!

12/26/2024

HUA caregiver Trinity and her BFF, amazing Reindeer Mastiff Vivien, were the most festive pair of friends for our Christmas celebrations yesterday 🎄! Vivien is the most gentle of souls and everyone absolutely adores her. She made the most of her day, prancing around in her holiday duds and loving every minute of her freedom. We hope your Christmas Day was a magical one!

12/24/2024

Aitana and Lionel were dumped in a soccer field. It was freezing cold and these two little ones were terrified. Neither one had been properly cared for for quite some time, and it appears that they are both losing their eyesight. We cannot fathom what would have become of these sweet angels had we not had the resources to save them. We are grateful that these precious and deserving dogs are now safe and warm, looking forward to bright futures with families who will cherish them.

This Holiday Season we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the opportunity to save as many lives as we can. Your donations make this powerful and important rescue work possible. We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Please visit our website at www.hua.org to make your life-saving Holiday donation!

12/23/2024

Stop by Nature Dog to meet our sweet Marie! We are accepting applications for this precious baby cat at https://hua.org/adoption-process/!

12/21/2024

Searching for a perfect last-minute gift? Give the gift that keeps on giving! Sponsor a Sanctuary Sweetheart in honor of your loved one. It's the perfect way to spread the cheer throughout the year!

Hearts United for Animals is dedicated to the philosophy that all dogs and cats deserve happy healthy lives with people who love them. Some animals find that home with us as Sanctuary Sweethearts. They are animals who are not available for adoption for various reasons that include physical and psychological issues.

The Sanctuary Sweethearts live full, comfortable, happy lives at Hearts United. The Sweetheart Program allows caring humans to sponsor one of the animals living at the shelter. For a monthly donation of $25.00, you can help a Sweetheart with medications, toys, soft beds, warm blankets, veterinary care and a nutritious diet (supplemented, of course, with tasty treats). Your Sweetheart will send you a photo and biography of his/her likes and dislikes, and we will update you on their experiences throughout the year.

Many years ago Tuffy lost his home. He was absolutely devastated and he took his grief out on his caregivers, particularly if they were female. We never really knew why Tuffy was so sour toward the girls--he came to love his male caregivers and was a cheery and playful boy when he was with them. Over time, Tuffy became a bit more comfortable around some female humans, but not all of them, and he remained very unpredictable. Because Tuffy had such a hard time with the loss of his family and because we could never be sure who he would turn against, this dear boy became a Sanctuary Sweetheart.

Tuffy is content and fulfilled at HUA. He has everything his little heart could desire. He loves zooming about in the wide open fields with his many toys and he cherishes visits from his favorite volunteers. With people who he trusts, Tuffy is overcome with joy at their arrival and promptly flops onto his back in anticipation of some much appreciated belly rubs.

Hearts United for Animals is Tuffy's home. He adores the humans who he knows well and they love him, too, He feels safe and comfortable in his familiar surroundings, and he is a treasured member of the HUA family.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A SWEETHEART! - https://hua.org/sanctuary-sweethearts/

12/20/2024

Oh, Atta Girl--we get it. The hat is ridiculous. We all know it. We appreciate you for tolerating our holiday antics and also, you are so darn precious that other people should get to see your darling face.

Atta lived in a home of neglect. Dogs were allowed to breed w***y nilly and the house was riddled with bedbugs. She was brought to HUA with her parents, who are brother and sister, and her brother who has a severe front leg deformity due to inbreeding.

Despite all of that chaos and sorrow, Atta is an angel. She is super loving and snuggly but she is polite about asking for affection. She is calm and quiet but also keeps busy by exploring her new surroundings. Toys are her favorite and she is a bit of a collector which, if we're being honest, is adorable.

Atta is a tiny slip of a thing weighing in at only four pounds. She is only a year old so she has a lifetime of love ahead of her. She is not yet featured on our website but we are accepting applications for this precious pixie at https://hua.org/adoption-process/.

12/19/2024

A Little Story About Hashbrown the Car Cat...

Hashbrown was found by the HUA manager when she was transporting a cat to the vet early in the morning. This pretty kitty was located in a fast food drive-thru, starving and very skinny. There was no carrier in the vehicle in which to place Hashbrown, so she had free rein during the drive back to the shelter. She simply wandered around the car, sniffing and peering out the windows, probably wondering what in the world she had gotten herself into. However, the open road soon lulled Hashbrown to sleep, and she curled up in the back seat for a good snooze.

This amazingly well-behaved cat has been a wonder to us all. She is gentle, relaxed, loving, and affectionate. Hashbrown would spend every minute of the day in the arms of a human if she could. She is just a big baby who loves everyone. She is even nice to the dogs and adores it when children visit. Hashbrown possesses no negative kitty traits whatsoever. She is purrfectly purrfect.

Visit Hashbrown's webpage at https://hua.org/animal/hashbrown/!

12/18/2024

The sweetest of all sweets--Merryweather Schnauzer--was tossed out by the breeder before too much damage was done. She was terrified when she first arrived at HUA, having never known anything other than misery. Merry decided early on that she was not going to live a life of fear, and she has made amazing progress. Her little stub of a tail wags and wags when she sees her caregivers, and spending time with the other little dogs has really helped her in the confidence department. Merryweather has perfectly perky Schnauzer ears and blue eyes that stare into your soul. A lifetime of fireside chats on the lap of her beloved human is Merry's Christmas wish.

Click here to see more of Merryweather on her webpage at https://hua.org/animal/merryweather/ 🎅🎄☃️🐾

12/17/2024

Cougar the Christmas Cat--This utterly adorable and tiny baby kitten is the funniest thing. She has us laughing constantly with her silly antics. She is GO GO GO 24/7 and will turn any item into her own personal toy. If Cougar spots a piece of fluff on the floor, or even a discarded blanket, she is entertained for the rest of the day. Although she has a big personality, Cougar is only four pounds and we do not anticipate her growing much bigger. She is not an actual Munchkin Cat, but Cougar resembles the breed with her dinky little legs.

Applications are being accepted for this petite little spitfire on her webpage at https://hua.org/animal/cougar/!

12/16/2024

Our Kids United for Animals group has had a very busy December and last Sunday was no exception. The kids learned new commands with the dogs and practiced the commands that have been learned so far. The unique dog paw print tree ornaments and paw print paintings on canvas were a huge hit and everyone--doggies included--had lots of fun with those activities.

The kitties got lots of attention and they were enthralled with all of the Christmas decorations placed around the Homeward Bound Building. The day ended with yummy cups of hot cocoa and homemade cookies and a short debrief about the day. The KUA stars left with lovely goodie bags provided by Miss Kathie and the other teachers, and everyone was happy and exhausted after their wonderful day of celebration.

Kids United for Animals (KUA) is a program designed for children ages 8-16 years who have an interest in animal welfare. Meetings are held once a month from September through May at the HUA shelter. The students learn many aspects of animal rescue and the challenges and joys of overseeing an animal shelter. They explore careers in animal welfare and learn about the issues that impact dogs in a shelter environment.

This program is something so sweet and special. We are very proud of these amazing children who want to make their futures brighter by improving the lives of rescued animals.

We are grateful for your holiday donations that allow us to continue to create innovative programs to enrich the lives of the dogs and kitties at HUA. Your support during this time of year helps us continue with our mission of mercy.

Please click here to donate ~ www.hua.org!

12/15/2024

Thank you to our friends at Pet Central Station for hosting a lovely Meet and Greet yesterday! Baby Zygi and his sister Zorya had lots of fun meeting so many nice people. These kiddos are the last two left from the GSD rescue last summer, during which puppy after puppy was found in the weeds in areas around the shelter. They were so traumatized when they arrived at HUA, and it took them some time to understand that they were in a safe and wonderful sanctuary. Now, they love visitors and are super playful, but they are still al little bit on the shy side. They're precious little babies who are adored by all. Although it would be a Christmas miracle if Zygi and Zorya went to a home together, the important thing is that they each find a devoted family who will love them to pieces the way that we do. These puppies are smart, eager to please, loving and just plain gorgeous. We are accepting applications for them on our website at www.hua.org!

12/14/2024

Agatha has decided that she would like to get in the holiday spirit! Who are we to deny her? This darling angel was found as a stray and nobody stepped forth to claim her. She is the most precious of little terriers--loving, clingy, happy, friendly, just plain adorable. Agatha may be hard of hearing as she does not react to loud noises but she acts just like a normal 10-year-old doggy. She loves her friends in the sunporch and plays very nicely with everyone. Agatha adores people so much that she doesn't even give a lick about tasty treats. She just wants to be in the company of the humans, and she follows us everywhere asking for some cuddles. We are utterly charmed by her.

Applications for this little sweetheart are being accepted at https://hua.org/adoption-process/!

12/12/2024

Avery - he's just a tiny little biscuit weighing in at a whopping five pounds. Avery was tossed out by the breeder. At age 6 he was given his first taste of freedom, and Avery is loving every second of it. He is a big hit in the sunporch with the other dogs and never so much as causes a fuss even when there is a ruckus going down among the others. Avery can still be a bit spooky when being picked up but once he is in a pair of human arms he is one content little man. We think he will happily warm any lap that is available to him once he is comfy and cozy in his new home.

Applications for this sweet little angel are being accepted now at https://hua.org/adoption-process/!

12/10/2024

12/09/2024

Birdie and Crow were terribly traumatized when their beloved person passed away. They were very much loved and had no idea what was happening when an ambulance came to take away their person, and they were terrified. Birdie actually tried to climb into the ambulance with him, scared to death over what was happening. Afterward, the dogs were kept solely outside, left to fend for themselves.

When we arrived to save these poor dogs we were met with some resistance. Birdie and Crow did not want to leave their home, even though it had been a nightmare for them for weeks after their person died. Here at HUA they have flourished and they have realized that they are safe and adored once again. Birdie loves walking on her leash and getting snuggles from all of the nice humans. Crow is a funny guy who rewards visitors with a toothy grin. He's a super handsome lowrider whose tail wags a mile a minute when friends approach.

These sweeties do not have to be adopted together as they are not bonded and they both enjoy the company of other dogs. We have not yet featured Birdie and Crow on our website but we are accepting applications for them at https://hua.org/adoption-process/. A home for the holidays would be a dream come true for these very deserving doggies who everyone loves so much.

PS - Birdie weighs 49 pounds and is about 4 years old, and Crow weighs 37 pounds and is also about 4 years old!

12/06/2024

Heimlich and his sister Atta were brought to the shelter when their person went into Assisted Living. The reason for his severe front leg deformity is that his parents are brother and sister. This is next-level irresponsibility and it is an innocent puppy who pays the price. We are not certain whether anything can be done about little Heimlich's wonky legs just yet. What we know for sure is that he is a happy, silly, carefree kid who is tickled to have so many human admirers, just as we are tickled to have him here safe with us.

Heimlich and his sister Atta were brother to the shelter when their person went into Assisted Living. The reason for his severe front leg deformity is that his…