HRDC hosts pet angel tree

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Christina Marks
  • 442nd Human Resources Development Council
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  In America, there are millions of pets in animal shelters. In Warrensburg, Mo. alone, more than 1,500 animals were turned in this year surpassing the number of intakes from last year.
For Homeward Bound, an animal rescue organization, takes in two to four pugs a week. During the holidays, it may not get better.

During the December unit training assembly, the 442nd Fighter Wing Human Resources Development Council is sponsoring a pet angel tree to raise donations for the Warrensburg
Animal Shelter, Homeward Bound Pug Rescue and Adoption of Oklahoma, and the Kansas City Animal Shelter.

"These animals are homeless. A lot of them had been in homes, but no one wants them anymore," said Sarah Jacob, Warrensburg Animal Shelter manager. "By adopting from a shelter or rescue organization verses a breeder, the animal has more than likely been trained and makes a great companion, she continued. "And about 25 percent of them are purebreds."

The animals that are available range from dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters.

For Master Sgt. Tammy Eddings, Kansas City Shelter volunteer and noncommissioned officer in charge of information management in the wing commander's office, her pet is more than just an animal.

"Besides lowering my blood pressure at the end of a stressful day, they provide unconditional love, protection, entertainment and exercise," she said. "At any given day, no matter what has happened, my dog is so excited to see me, thinks I'm the greatest. Even if it is minus 10 degrees, a walk is a genius idea!"

For Anita Brenberger, 442nd Fighter Wing chief of education, her pugs are her children, her family.

"They give a warm fuzzy feeling, and the feeling that I am truly loved," she said. "I always have someone to talk to that looks at me like they care about what I'm saying - like I have worth.
They are always doing something funny that makes me laugh."

The items the shelters and pug rescue need are pet toys, food, treats, shampoo, cotton balls, trash bags, newspapers, towels, cleaning supplies, bleach, paper towels and other
cleaning supplies. There will be a more extensive list at the 442nd Fighter Wing Education Office, information on pets that are up for adoption as well as the Pet Angel Tree. Monetary donations are always welcome and are tax deductable.

"I love animals, especially pugs," Brenberger said. "I feel that if I am not involved there will be more pugs who won't find the 'forever' loving home they deserve, and more will be put to sleep."

For more information on the shelters or pug rescue, contact Brenberger at 660-687-3527, Master Sgt. Tammy Eddings at 660-687-4008, or Lt. Col. Christina Marks at 660-687-3517.