Helping animals has been in Faith Wetzler's blood for as long as she can remember. Her passion has led her to a lifelong journey and career path of assisting animals in need through her role as the Hope Fur Paws Rescue founder and owner.
Apart from running the shelter, with the help of her best friend Amanda Stevens, Wetzler also works full-time as the coordinator for Hot Springs Animal Services.
"I just grew up helping animals. My dad would always help animals. If we were driving and there was an animal on the side of the road we would always stop to rescue it and bring it somewhere safe," Wetlzer said. "I saw the need for more help."
Founded in 2018, the rescue has since seen over 5,000 animals come through its doors. The shelter sits on Wetzler's private property, next door to the Humane Society of Garland County.
"We began this with just 10-by-10 pens, between five and 10 to start out with. People we met along the way began to help. There really was blood, sweat, and tears put into this place."
With 35 dogs, seven of them being puppies, and three cats, Hope Fur Paws needs the community's help. Their longest resident, Rilo, has been living at the shelter for two years.
Rilo is a playful rottweiler-shepherd mix. "He does not like male dogs or cats, that can make it hard to find a home sometimes." Though Rilo may need a particular family just right for him, his spirits are high with evident joy and energy.
Rilo's adoption fee is currently waived as he awaits his forever home.
Typical adoption costs run around $100. "It costs us upwards of $300 to get an animal ready for adoption, we just ask a minimal cost to help out with those fees," Wetzler said. "A newly adopted pet will come fixed, vaccinated, and on heartworm medication."
Hope Fur Paws aims to give the animals as happy a life as possible while waiting for a family. "They get to run and play daily and get all the treats and love," she said. The organization welcomes those who want to help, even when they are unable to adopt.
"We have a lot of ladies, especially from the Village, who will come take a dog out for the day. They do things like getting a pup cup or even a cheeseburger," Wetzler said.
The shelter gladly accepts monetary or itemized donations such as food, treats, and bedding. "Even something as simple as sharing our Facebook posts helps out," she said.
With plans to grow in the future, Hope Fur Paws has a fundraising goal of $15,000 for an upcoming project. Wetzler said she hopes to expand on her property and build an enclosed facility for the animals to better protect them from outside elements.
The expansion project will provide more comfort for the animals as well as additional space to aid in ever-growing numbers.
Hope Fur Paws strictly relies on donations from the community to make projects such as this possible.
"We get between five and 10 calls a day for help. We have to say no sometimes and that hurts. I had a lady message me that she found a puppy with mange. I couldn't help her here, but I was able to send her money to take the puppy to the vet," Wetzler said.
Hope Fur Paws Rescue can be found on Facebook and sending a message is the best way to get in contact. Those wanting to adopt or help can also text Wetzler directly at 501-520-8072. Additional information and a link for donations can be found at:
https://bit.ly/4aAvgxy
Hope Fur Paws Rescue currently houses seven puppies available for adoption. (The Sentinel-Record/Hailey Grillo)
Rilo, the shelter's longest resident, keeps playful spirits in his pen daily. (The Sentinel-Record/Hailey Grillo)
Halo is expected to have kittens in two weeks that will soon also be available for adoption. (The Sentinel-Record/Hailey Grillo)