Tails of Love: A Photographic Collection

I would like to personally thank all of the generous donors, businesses and individuals who helped make our 1st Edition Photo Book, Tails of Love, a successful fundraiser. It is with great pleasure that we are able to publish this photographic collection. This project would not have been possible without the help of the professional photographers who gave their time and talent to this book. As well as the page donors who submitted their own great candid photographs.

The Humane Society of the Ozarks is a non-profit organization. With your support we are able to help fund our vital programs such as Low Cost Spay/Neuter Assistance, Emergency Outreach, shelter/Rescue Outreach, Cruelty Prevention and Investigation, Medical Care for animals rescued from abuse/neglect situations and Community Education. Through these programs the HSO is able to help stem the tide of pet overpopulation in our area, assist pet owners who cannot afford emergency medical care for their pets, grant supplies and equipment to our local shelters and rescues, provide medical care for abused and neglected animals and educate our community on responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals. Please note the special stories of HSO rescued animals a t the back of the publication.

I hope you enjoy the Tails of Love. – Carmen Nelson, Executive Director

My love for animals goes back to my childhood. Growing up we had many different pets including dogs, gerbils, parakeets, fish and even box turtles in the flower bed. Our pets are reminders of our ability to be compassionate to the innocent; they rely on us completely. They can make us feel important even when we’ve had the worst day.

Pets who are unfortunate enough to end up stray, abused or in shelters magnify this reminder immensely. I decided several years ago that I wanted to volunteer my time to help such animals. Sometimes our lifestyle is not conducive to our desires, and physically going to the shelter was not feasible. Upon meeting and getting to know Carmen Nelson, she asked me if I would be willing to donate my talents to help raise money for the Humane society, and I gladly complied with the first Humane Society of the Ozarks Pet Day Planner in 2008.

This is my fourth year to be involved with this fund raiser, and while it is a lengthy project initiative on the front end, the rewards are always worth it; we raise funds to help the animals who need it.

We have changed the format this year to a photo book instead of a calendar, and we hope it brings joy to those who view it. I would like to thank Carmen Nelson and Kelly Maestri, my fellow committee members who have worked so hard to make this project possible. – Diane Cooper, Editor