30 May Service Trip 2025 – Day 2: Transport, Spay/Neuter Clinic, West Memphis, & Redfield
Day 2 started with a very early morning in a Walmart parking lot to meet our Hearts Transport company, who will drive 15 of our dogs 30+ hours from Little Rock to
Massachusetts. It was a side of the rescue that most northern fosters don’t get to see; our southern fosters, who have seen these dogs at their worst, now have to say goodbye as they take the next step in their journey to a fur-ever home. The pups were scared as they left their foster’s arms, but Jason and Amanda treat all the dogs with such compassion and love as they board the bus, reassuring everyone that it will be okay.
Before the dogs could board the bus, volunteers helped unload all of the donations that were collected in Massachusetts that Jason and Amanda graciously drove back during the last transport cycle. Beds, blankets, food, toys, and so much more kept pouring out of the truck. All of these donations will go directly to the rural shelters to help provide necessary supplies and some comfort to the dogs while they are in the shelters. Southern volunteers were overwhelmed with the generosity and these supplies will go a long way in helping the dogs in their care.
Day 2: North Little Rock Spay/Neuter Clinic
By Kai Phoenix
We did our free spay/neuter clinic today in North Little Rock!! We had a great response to this program and were so happy to help the community.
There was an outpouring of interest for the free clinic. Due to time, we were able to help 13 owners who trusted us with their pets and took advantage of Last Hope’s free clinic. There were schnauzers, German shepherds, a chiweenie, a pug, basically a range of breeds and sizes of dogs. All adorable!!
Each dog’s procedure was performed by Dr. Paul Seminara and some LH volunteers in the surgical suite. Laura Boswick, a Last Hope volunteer and an OR nurse in Boston, was one of those lucky folks who got to assist with surgeries. The vet and everyone involved did such an amazing job, and all dogs recovered well!!
My job today was to sit and watch the dogs as they recovered from the anesthesia. A lot of drowsy and dopey doggos! I made a new friend, Laura Meacham, a southern foster,who sat with me and helped out with switching dogs out for their procedures and getting them back into their enclosures to recover. We chatted off and on about things and got to know each other. She’s amazing person and her sense of humor is just great!
All dogs recovered well and were picked up to go home to fully recover. Dog moms and dads were grateful that the dogs were taken care so well when their picked up their pups at the end of the day. It was a great honor that they were willing to trust us to take care of their dogs.
This free clinic was a huge success!! Everyone left with a sense of accomplishment and was very pleased with all the results. An even bigger feeling was that we helped out the community. With these procedures we helped prevent unnecessary births that would not be great for the overpopulation of dogs in the Little Rock community! One unaltered female and her offspring can generate over 60,000 dogs in six years and we were able to provide six spay surgeries plus 7 neuter surgeries. This means that over we helped prevent over 360,000 dogs from hitting the shelters in the next six years. This will greatly help all of the efforts to control the overpopulation of the shelters.
Thank you to the LH volunteers, our southern partners, and the north Little Rock vet office for all the work you have done!!
Day 2: West Memphis
By Emily Periera
Our group embarked on a two-hour drive outside Little Rock to volunteer at the West Memphis Animal Shelter. This shelter houses over 50 dogs and approximately 50 cats of all ages. Our team of 13 volunteers dedicated themselves tirelessly to brighten the lives of each animal there.
For the cats and kittens, we constructed a walkway to the “Cattery” using pavers, pea gravel, and edging. We also assembled multi-level cat houses equipped with hammocks.
In the outdoor dog runs, we diligently scooped poop, hosed down, and sanitized the areas. We removed all the dog houses, bowls, and toys, scrubbed them down, sanitized, and replaced them. These dogs were delighted to return from their playtime to clean stalls.
A few volunteers took on the task of organizing the supply shed. They also unloaded a full palette of cat food donations and 10 contract-grade bags of linens. The shelves were stocked with food, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, toys, cones, and linens. This reorganization will help the shelter find what it needs more quickly, allowing them to focus on caring for the animals’ immediate needs.
After a break for lunch, we took the 50 dogs outside one by one to stretch their legs. Some dogs went for walks, while others engaged in fetch in one of the seven fenced-in play areas. The rest simply enjoyed snuggling and spending time outside of their cinderblock kennels. Finally, we bathed them all, removing ticks and filling their tummies with treats.
Throughout the day, these adorable animals radiated the biggest smiles and brightest, grateful eyes. Their tails were constantly wagging.
This volunteer work is so desperately needed. These shelters are nothing like what we know them to be in New England. It’s no small feat, but with every single penny raised and donation collected, we’re making a real, tangible difference at our nine partnered shelters. It’s hard to understand how these sweet, loving, pure pups end up in places like this. The work isn’t easy, and at times, it’s incredibly emotional. But that’s exactly what fuels me to keep going. It’s why I continue to foster, to volunteer, and to raise money. These animals deserve so much more, and we have the power to give it to them.
Day 2: Redfield
By Sarah Neely
We spent the day at the Redfield Shelter in Arkansas, and while the sun was blazing and the bugs were relentless, it was one of those days that leaves you feeling proud, grateful, and grounded in purpose.
Alongside our incredible southern partner Amy Strawn, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. First on the list: filling in a ton of deep holes with dirt and gravel. It was hard, physical labor, but necessary to make the yard safer and more comfortable for the dogs to run and play.
We cleaned out all the dog houses to give the pups a fresher, more comfortable space. With only four dogs at the shelter, we were able to give each one some extra attention—including a good bath where needed. Small gestures, but meaningful ones.
One of the highlights of the day was building a brand-new shelter structure for future puppies. While no pups moved in today, it felt good to know we were creating something that will offer safety and comfort for those who come next.
We were also incredibly touched when the Mayor of Redfield—an outspoken dog lover—came by to thank us for our work. He stayed to chat with the team and even generously treated us to lunch. That kind of support from local leadership goes a long way and was a bright spot in an already special day.
And of course, none of it would be possible without Amy Strawn. Her dedication, grit, and heart for rescue is what makes this all happen. It’s always an honor to work beside her.
Yes, it was hot. Yes, the bugs were everywhere. But today we made a difference—with our hands, our time, and our hearts. The work may be messy, but the mission is clear: show up, do what needs to be done, and make life better for the dogs who depend on us.
Thank you, Redfield, for having us. And thank you, Amy, for leading with love.
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