Thanks to a rescue fund called Paw Prints and very generous donations pouring in from all over the U.S., Atchison County and area pets and strays finally have a chance at receiving life-saving veterinary care, food and supplies, and a home. Since 2020, monetary donations, as well as food and pet supplies, have assisted around 300 animals in living healthier and happier lives. There is not a foster-home based rescue or an animal shelter in Atchison County. But through the cooperation of many individuals, the Atchison County Veterinary Clinic in Tarkio, and Paw Prints, pets are being helped. Pets who need to be spayed or neutered, those who need emergency vet care due to injuries or fights or disease, or those who have reached the end of their lives and due to illness need to be euthanized, but their owners can not afford to pay, have been assisted through Paw Prints. Paw Prints (as well as locals in the community who also donate) has also been providing pet food and supplies to the Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax, Missouri, Food Pantry in Tarkio to give to their clients who have pets. Strays who find themselves homeless and in need of a helping hand have also been assisted, from getting fixed, to receiving vet care and vaccinations, and networking to find them homes or rescues. It is quite an undertaking as many of the animals who have been assisted so far were on their last leg. Some had been hit by cars and required leg amputations or metal wires or rods inserted to stabilize the leg. Others had gotten into fights with other animals and have had to have eyes removed, stitches, and major wound care. Other times, animals are found suffering from dehydration, heat stroke, or hypothermia and frostbite. Several litters of kittens have been found, with no mother in sight, needing immediate assistance not only getting taken in and cleaned and warmed up, but receiving round-the-clock formula feeding. Some animals are found abandoned in such malnourished states that every bone in their body can be seen and their organs are shutting down. Some have been saved, others, despite heroic efforts, have not. Other random instances requiring assistance have included a cat with a can stuck on its head and a litter of more than 10 puppies needing placement. Sadly, you never know what situation will pop up weekly, but thanks to Paw Prints being able to assist and locals willing to help, the outcome is now not so bleak.

In order for Paw Prints to continue to be successful in assisting as many animals as possible, donations are needed. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every little bit helps. Saving a pet is not cheap (depending on what is needed, Paw Prints has spent anywhere from $25 to $800 on a single animal), but it’s worth it seeing their lives drastically changed for the better. To donate, make your checks out to Paw Prints and: drop off or mail to Farmers State Bank, P.O. Box 158, 512 Main Street, Tarkio, MO 64491; mail to Megan McAdams at 1103 Pine Street, Tarkio, MO 64491; Venmo @Megan-McAdams-13; or contact Megan McAdams through Facebook or 816-262-1443 to make other arrangements. A donation drop box is also available at the Atchison County Mail office at 300 S. Main in Rock Port.

Not only are monetary and supply donations needed, but foster and forever homes are also required to make this a success. Because there is no shelter here, there is no place to house the strays that come in. Having people willing to take animals in until permanent placement or homes can be found would greatly increase the number of animals who can be saved (especially those who need special care such as the injured or babies needing fed). And as always, forever homes are needed. There is nothing more rewarding than experiencing the love and joy a rescued animal gives you when you take them in. Many have come from absolutely horrible circumstances and having shelter and food and water, stability, and unending love 24-7 makes them some of the most loving pets you will ever have. People do not give animals enough credit. They know and understand that you have saved them and they devote the rest of their lives giving you love.

Paw Prints will have a booth set up at the Friendship Day event Saturday, September 27, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Main Street in Tarkio. Attendees will have the opportunity to win cups, glasses, and mugs by tossing ping pong balls into them, with proceeds going to Paw Prints. There will also be a drawing for a life-sized stuffed witch. If the weather is pleasant, there will also be kittens on site for viewing (see photos above – they are still too young to be adopted). They are the latest litter being assisted with Paw Prints’ funds.

Help support Paw Prints’ efforts in saving animals. It’s a heartbreaking, but rewarding endeavor to save an animal in need. Be a part of something greater than yourself and help make a difference in these trying times. Save a life and adopt!