This is George.
George was selected, out of a pool of nearly 300 entries, to be the mascot for the Humane Society of Missouri's 27th Annual Bark in the Park 5k Run, One-Mile Walk and Pet Festival on May 16, 2020 in Forest Park in Saint Louis. This event gathers thousands of pet lovers together to celebrate our furry, four-legged friends and raise crucial funds for animals in need. Unfortunately, the very day we announced that George would be our 2020 Mascot, the COVID Pandemic crisis hit which caused us to initially postpone, and then cancel our event. In our case, this event is the single largest fundraiser we host all year, creating the potential for us to lose more than $150,000 that would typically go to support our Animal Cruelty Fund which helps rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected animals throughout the state of Missouri.
So let’s fast-forward to George today... We’ve joined the National House Pawty in hopes of giving George his day in the spotlight, where he can lead us to raise those funds we so desperately need now (and join together as fellow animal lovers and have a little fun while doing so)!!
For more than 150 years, the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) has been dedicated to second chances. We provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need – large and small – that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs, and educational classes. We are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs and world-class veterinary care.
George was adopted from HSMO in 2016 after recovering from a gunshot wound to his paw that required multiple surgeries. Because of the care he received at HSMO, he now loves to run, jump and play with his family! George wants to help his dog, cat and critter friends currently in our shelters because he knows firsthand HSMO's dedication to making sure all pets live long and happy lives with families who love them. George is asking for your contribution to help HSMO continue its mission of providing second chances to homeless animals for the next 150 years!