Operation Kindness – North Texas’ original and largest no-kill animal shelter – recently partnered with Hurst Animal Services to help save the life of Little Earl, a terrier/pitbull mix with a severe injury to his front right leg. The municipal shelter did not have the equipment on-site to treat Little Earl’s injury, and he soon became at risk of being euthanized to make space. With only moments to spare, Hurst Animal Services reached out to Operation Kindness for medical assistance before it was too late.
“I personally made the trip to Hurst Animal Services to ensure that Little Earl would have a speedy and safe transfer to our on-site medical facility,” says Jim Hanophy, CEO of Operation Kindness.
“He was immediately treated by our team of veterinarians, who performed X-rays and decided it was best to amputate his leg. We helped Little Earl through the recovery process, teaching him to walk again and training him to curb a few of his adolescent behaviors. He was quickly adopted by a wonderful woman who understands how to care for animals with special needs.”
With the help of the on-site medical hospital, Operation Kindness is able to save many more pets like Little Earl. Last year alone, Operation Kindness saved the lives and found forever homes for 4,519 animals, providing care to more than 5,000 animals, many of which would have been euthanized. The on-site medical hospital at Operation Kindness conducted more than 5,163 surgeries; 13,169 exams; 1,587 spays and 1,541 neuters; and provided more than $83,000 worth of medicine.
Of the 4,519 animals that Operation Kindness found forever homes for in 2015, more than 50 percent of those animals came to Operation Kindness from municipal shelters across the Metroplex. Operation Kindness partners with municipal shelters like Dallas Animal Services, Hurst Animal Services and many others to help those shelters with overpopulation. More than 50 percent of Operation Kindness’ shelter space is devoted to municipal shelter transfers; the rest of the space contains surrenders from first responders, good Samaritans and owners.
Operation Kindness will celebrate their 40th anniversary this year with the knowledge that they have saved the lives of more than 85,000 dogs and cats. As the no-kill shelter continues to grow and serve pets like Little Earl, their expenses grow too. Unlike other nonprofits, Operation Kindness does not receive funding from the government, instead relying solely on funds from donations, grants and adoption fees to care for homeless animals. On May 12, from 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., Operation Kindness is asking members of the North Texas community to consider making a donation to the no-kill shelter as a part of a Day of Giving. On this day only, a generous donor has agreed to match all gifts up to $5,000 – to ensure they will make double the impact. To participate in Operation Kindness’ Day of Giving, please visit www.operationkindness.org.