Dedication. What it takes to truly fight for something you believe in. What it takes to look into a shelter dog’s eyes and tell the world his story. What it takes to get a struggling 8-year old Great Dane named Bolt adopted.
Scott Poore is one dedicated guy.
At Great Plains SPCA, he is well known by both dogs and patrons of Kansas City’s most comprehensive no-kill animal welfare organization. Scott works at the shelter full time, devoting most of his time and energy to the dogs, cats and other animals that have found themselves there. He self proclaims that he is “married to the shelter, by choice.”
Most days, he arrives early, to pick a dog to spend some special one-on-one time with. Usually it’s a dog that’s struggling, having been in the shelter awhile or stressed from the chaos of living in the confines of the shelter. He has a “dog-whisper” quality to him- picking an activity to help calm the dog. In the past few months, Bolt has been that dog.
The story of Bolt
Bolt a very stressed out 8-year old Great Dane came into the shelter as an older dog and with issues that led the Great Plains team to believe that he needed to be with an “only dog” family. Odds were against him- the average life span of a Great Dane is 6 to 8 years old and they have several risk factors in old age- hip dysplasia and bloat being the biggest. Bolt was stressed. And Scott took him lovingly on as a mission.
Scott’s personal Facebook page soon began to fill with updates on Bolt- videos of Scott taking him for rides in the car, out for “pup cups” of ice cream and petting him to sleep. Scott and Bolt appeared on the news and the community saw heartbreaking pictures of Bolt, staring out his private suite at the shelter with Scott’s famous and effective questions “Are you worthy?” or “Who will be his hero today?” Tags and posts increased- Scott moved so many people with his stories of Bolt, and all the other dogs and cats at the Shelter.
A few days ago, the call came. Laura and Kevin Donnelly, who have one son, but no pets, were thinking about fostering Bolt. They contacted a few volunteers that they knew from the shelter, including Scott and asked their thoughts- of course, they were all behind Bolt and thrilled that he would at least be fostered and could take a break from the shelter. Scott kept us posted on Facebook, not giving up too many details or too much hope. He helped Bolt go to sleep that night, hinting at a surprise and those of us following waited to hear.
Scott’s profile picture the next day was changed to the now empty suite that Bolt resided in. He had been fostered. Scott gave us the news and the entire KC community sighed with relief. And prayed he would not be returned within the period that had been agreed to be fostered.
Two days later, Scott delivered the news. Laura had called and said one thing, “He is home.” Bolt had been adopted! We all watched on social media and we all cheered, thanking this wonderful family that was so worthy of Bolt, and for Scott, who never stopped being this dog’s advocate.
But, Scott’s mission is not complete! Bolt is only one and sadly, there are so many that still need to find a furever home. He does this for one reason.
“These amazing shelter pets don’t have a voice. So many amazing dogs get looked over because of looks, age or breed. It’s my job to find them homes, not theirs. I love the responsibility!”
His goals are to continue educating about the importance of spay/neuter and finding long-term shelter pets homes. He works really hard at bringing in record donations for the shelter, with events like Dog Yoga in the Park, profit-shares with popular restaurants like Jose Peppers and Tanners, and need drives throughout the Metro area. He would also like to create a shy/fearful program that allows Great Plains SPCA to rehabilitate abuse and puppy mill pets.
Helping at Great Plains SPCA has become a family affair. Scott walks the walk when it comes to adoption.
Say Hello to Leo
“Leo was dumped at our shelter when he was 4 months. They told the shelter they didn’t want the responsibility of another pet. When I saw him I knew I wanted him. I never even let him go up for adoption.”
The two have been quite the duo since the beginning. And Leo does his part to help too. He has become some sort of a therapy dog for others who are struggling.
“He is my therapy dog for dogs. He allows any shelter pet in our home and he works on their confidence.”
With Scott and Leo on these animals’ side, we know great things are being done at Great Plains. Thank you Scott and to the whole Great Plains SPCA team for all you do!
Are you worthy of adopting a pet?
If you are thinking about getting a pet, consider adopting, not shopping! The shelter is also always in need of foster families. The foster program gives Great Plains the opportunity to save more pets in our community. You can foster for as little as 24 hours or on a longer term basis. In addition, there are ample opportunities to volunteer. Many local businesses have thrown need-drives for the shelter. Just walking a dog in your free-time gives these pets the TLC they want and deserve.
If you can’t give your time or effort to an animal, donate or attend one of the very fun events that help raise funds for these special pets. More information can be found on Great Plains Facebook page or at their website here.
You can also attend SPCA’s next event, Dine for Paws, on July 28th, if you’d like to help out.
A quick clip of Bart, enjoying “Pup Cups,” with Scott.
