Hardeman Adoptable Animals is focus of Ruritan’s May meeting

“Hardeman Adoptable Animals (HAA) is not associated with the Humane Society nor are we a part of animal control. We became a non-profit corporation in 2011 for the purpose of finding homes for dogs that for some reason have been abandoned,” said Charla Cooper, president of the organization.
Speaking at the May meeting of the Grand Junction Ruritan Club, Cooper went on to explain the core group of  HAA volunteers numbers about 20 selfless, hardworking individuals. They come from all walks of life and reside in Shelby, Fayette, and McNairy, as well as Hardeman County. The animals must be cared for 365 days per year.
“Each animal must be fed, watered, exercised, and have their kennel cleaned daily. That includes Christmas, Thanksgiving, and all other holidays,” Cooper said. The HAA shelter has 32 kennels but is currently caring for over 50 dogs.
HAA has adopted out over 2,300 dogs. The group is very active in the social media. They appear on pet finder as well as facebook. Members have appeared on TV in Memphis and Jackson. There is a picture and description of a different pet in the Bolivar Bulletin Times each week. They participate in Bolivar’s March of Dogs each year. Even with all the local advertising, HAA transports most of their adoptees to several other states such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. These states have strong “no kill” laws and shelters there do everything they can to help the local group save animals. Volunteers from those states also travel to Hardeman County at their own expense to help HAA with maintenance of the local facility as well as animal care.
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