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Community Corner

Mount Pleasant Man Works for Purrs, Puddles and Panting

H.O.P.E. Safehouse volunteer gives his time and devotion to rescuing animals and educating humans.

Jonathan and Lynn Eeg are critter crazy! And with that passion, they are saving animals all over city, state and country. The cocked head of a curious dog and a purring nuzzle from a friendly feline are all the thanks this couple needs to devote their lives to a wonderful organization, H.O.P.E. Safehouse. In this week's Knowsy Neighbor I will be highlighting Jonathan, President of H.O.P.E. Part two will follow with his wife, and H.O.P.E. Director, Lynn.

Jonathan said something to me that really struck a chord, “We share this planet with them (animals) and so, we are connected. As far as pets go, they are always happy to see us and they never hold a grudge. They all have personalities and are unique. They make our home a home.”

H.O.P.E. (Help for Orphaned Pets through Education) Safehouse is a non-profit, all-volunteer animal care organization. H.O.P.E. is a transitional sanctuary for cats and dogs whom have been lost, injured, neglected and abandoned. It is there they receive the care they need to survive as well as an opportunity to find a new home with a new family.

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H.O.P.E. is made possible by the countless volunteers who share their time and efforts to create a safe, loving environment for animals whom may be experiencing that for the first time in their lives.

While finding a good home for these deserving animals is certainly the focus of this organization, educating pet owners and the community as a whole is a very important aspect of this mission.

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“One of the biggest challenges we face is people who make a commitment to an animal and then 'something comes up' and they call us to 'get rid of it.' They are not disposable. They can be expensive, have medical problems, make mistakes, etc. I want people to deal with that responsibly. Go to training classes and try to remain positive as difficult as that can sometimes be,” Jonathan asserts.

During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, H.O.P.E. Safehouse was able to rescue over 300 animals from the south. Thousands of pets were victims of this disaster and were left without homes or families and often, both. Jonathan said that this traumatic but inspiring tragedy has been the hardest and most rewarding time in H.O.P.E.'s history.

Jonathan, 53, has lived in Mount Pleasant for 23 years and he has worked at SC Johnson for 35 years. He was inspired by Lynn's drive to help these animals and tells me that Lynn is still the backbone of the organization and he functions as her support. They have also worked together in raising two daughters, Jenny and Nicole. And last, but certainly not least, their family is enriched by a Great Dane, Dozer, and three cats Olivia, Marley and Witten.

Jonathan says that when it is all said and done, H.O.P.E.'s number one priority is educating the public on responsible pet ownership. Clearly he is setting a wonderful example as he and the rest of the H.O.P.E. family are taking such loving care of every animal under their watch – some of which will hopefully be met by some of you one day soon!

For information on how to adopt, volunteer or donate to H.O.P.E. please visit their website or call 262.634.4571

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