This is a series of diaries highlighting animal rescues around the country and noting and celebrating the work they do to help animals who have no voices but ours to speak for them. I have decided to make this a daily series because there are so many wonderful rescues out there who need human help and weekly just doesn't seem to be enough. I have long wanted to start a rescue but lack the resources or time available to do so right now so this is my attempt to do my part. I hope that these rescues will benefit from the kindness and benevolence of the community here at Daily Kos. They are amazing organizations and worthy of Kossack attention and care.
I am here, alive and all around you
I have no voice
In your trees, your air, your fields, your oceans, your world
I have no voice
I am a mother, a father, a protector, a soul
I have no voice
I can walk, crawl, sing, fear
I have no voice
You must be my voice
Their Website Is Here
Donate Here
Volunteer Here
Adopt A Pet Here
Their Facebook Site Is Here
History
On June 5, 1940, a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, known as the Jackson County Animal Betterment Association, was incorporated in the State of Missouri. In 1944, it was revived with new leadership under the name of Wayside Waifs, Inc.
Fenby Webster was the lead contributor who helped to found Wayside Waifs. Her leadership and dedication is still seen throughout the shelter.
Through contributions, Wayside Waifs was able to purchase a 20-acre farm. The shelter was built in southeast Kansas City, Missouri in 1945 and remained until 1999 when a state-of-the-art facility was built adjacent to the original building. Additional acreage was acquired over the years, bringing the total acreage to 50 acres.
The Top of the World Pet Cemetery (now known as Wayside Waifs Pet Memorial Park) was founded in 1946. It was established to provide a convenience to people who wanted their pets put to rest in the peace and beauty of an established haven. More than 12,000 pets are interred on our three pet burial grounds making Wayside one of the largest pet cemeteries in the United States.
Wayside Waifs is a nonprofit humane society and animal shelter. It is not endowed or supported by local, state or federal funds, or national humane organizations. It is financially supported primarily from memberships, bequests, the pet cemetery, adoptions and gifts from the public, businesses and foundations.
Here are some of the adoptable animals.
Wayside Wish List
The items in this list are things that we use every day at our shelter to help the animals.
Monetary donations are always greatly appreciated as well! You can also order many of these items on Amazon. Check out our Amazon Wish List. You can also download our list here.
Would you like to be a part of our Critical Needs Network? Sign up today to receive emails only when we are in a critical shortage of needed items. You can help make a difference in the lives of animals!
For the Animals
- Kitty Litter
- Blankets or large bath towels
- Large stuffed animals
- Gently used/new kennels
- Cat and kitten toys
- Cat Dancer wand toys
- Dog treats
- Soft small dog training treats
- Nylabones
- Canned wet dog food
- Canned wet cat food
- Ball and rope toys
- Jolly Balls
- Paper towels
- Heating pads
- Ripple Rugs for cats
- Milk replacement powder (KMR or Esbilac)
- Walking Harnesses
For the shelter
- 70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
- Liquid dishwasher detergent
- Paper towels
- Sponges
- Dawn dish Soap
- Liquid hand Soap
- Paint scrapers
- Sturdy ice cube trays
- Dawn/gain products
- Scrub brushes
- Easy-walk harnesses
- Mr. Clean erasers
- Kong Wobblers
- Febreeze air fresheners
- Bleach
- Scrub brushes
- 55 gallon trash bags
- 5-10 quart containers
- Rubbermaid containers
- Lysol wipes and Lysol
- Squeegees
- Step ladder
- Kiddie pools (for the dogs!)
- Gentle leader head harnesses
- Small dog beds
- Squeaky toys
For the Office
- Copy paper
- Flash drives
- Sharpies (black)
- Highlighters, colored markers
- Fun stickers
- Scissors, staplers
- Sheet protectors
- AA batteries
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Working 35 mm digital cameras
- Laptop computer
- Kleenex/tissue
For our Programs & Services
- Heating pads
- Spray Bottles
- Tongue depressors
- 70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
For the Facilities & Grounds
- Golf cart
- Gas powered weed eater
- Work gloves
- Rubber garden hose and nozzle
- Hand tools
- 6' x 8' plastic tarps
- Broom and dust pans
Bark Park
It's a Dogs Life
In 2003, Wayside was thrilled to open the new Wayside Waifs Bark Park, given and dedicated by the Harold and Marilyn Melcher family. And what a great park it is for an off-leash romp with your canine friends! We hope you and your dog find the park to be a great outlet for fun, socialization and bonding. Our goal is to create the safest dog park in the metropolitan area.
The Courtesy Comfort Station
The Courtesy Comfort Station - a one-of-a-kind amenity added to the Bark Park 2016 - was funded 100% by The Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation. The vision for the Courtesy Comfort Station was to create a unique, friendly and comfortable space for Bark Park patrons as well as Wayside Waifs volunteers to walk and social dogs on campus. Take a 360 tour of the Courtesy Comfort Station.
Features of the Park
- Five acres of fenced-in grass-covered off-leash fun
- Separate enclosed area for small dogs
- Trees and shaded areas
- Covered pavilions and park benches
- “Time-out Kennels” for dogs who may become overly excited or exhausted by their play. The kennels are also handy if you bring two dogs and want to “park” one while doing training work with the other.
- Watering stations located throughout the park
- Lots of open space for those Frisbee addicts
- Ample lighted parking near the park entrance
- Membership fees directly support Wayside Waifs' homeless pets
Features of the Courtesy Comfort Station
- Main entry doors are open 8 am - 5pm and accessible by key card after hours (open 24 hours a day; 7 days a week; 365 days a year)
- Double-gated entry
- A heated and air conditioned space for you to warm up or cool off during your visit
- A men's and women's spacious restroom (with tie down hooks for your dog's leash)
- A soft drink maching and a coffee/hot chocolate machine
- Indoor benches to sit down and relax
- An outdoor patio area with tables and seating (fenced in so your dog can also be off-leash)
- A Paw Wash area for dirty paws (open in the spring)
- Lights to illuminate the area after dark (the park is never dark)
Membership Fees
The Bark Park is open for members only and requires a card for entry. This further guarantees the security of the Bark Park, and all proceeds go to support Wayside’s shelter operations.
Annual Membership$120
Monthly Membership$20
Daily Membership$3
Get Started Today
- Print and sign the Registration Form.
- Print and sign the Waiver of Liability.
- Bring both forms and current vaccine records to Wayside Waifs' front desk during business hours.
- If you have questions or concerns about the Bark Park, email us or call 816-761-8151.
Animal Rescue
Each year Wayside Waifs rescues more than 6,500 abandoned, abused and homeless animals. Not only in the Kansas City metro area, but across the states of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Our FEMA certified Team regularly partners with national animal welfare organizations in situations of natural disasters, animal hoarding and puppy mills.
In the Fall of 2011, Wayside Waifs' Animal Rescue and Response Team responded to a call from the Andrew County Sheriff's Department to help with an animal hoarding case in rural Savannah, Missouri. In the past two years these types of calls have increased. From the Humane Society of the United States to the ASPCA, Wayside Waifs has partnered with dozens of shelters, animal welfare and law enforcement agencies to save thousands of animals from dire situations.
Although the team has witnessed extreme circumstances, nothing prepared them for what they found in Savannah. They expected to rescue about 18 animals. Instead, they found nearly 30 large breed dogs living outside in deplorable conditions. Without food or water, the animals were malnourished, dehydrated and were restricted to only small wire pens and shacks. "Its not fit for a human to live in, let alone a dog," said Sarah Little, Director Animal Welfare. Because of limited resources, Wayside's Rescue Team had to leave some of the animals behind. Eyes filled with tears and crouching nose to nose, Team members promised, "I will be back for you." And Wayside's Rescue Team kept their word, rescuing the remaining dogs and bringing them back to safety.
A short time later, a Rescue Team member shared this heartbreaking story with two very special donors, Harold and Marilyn Melcher. Upon learning of this Rescue Team effort, Harold's eyes filled with tears. Right then, the Melchers made a generous gift of funding a rescue transport trailer and truck.
The new, state-of-the-art 28-foot trailer now allows Wayside to transport up to 50 animals in a climate controlled space. The unit also features a large generator for natural disasters or crisis situations that require an extended stay. A special ventilation system was also designed specifically for transporting animals and decreasing the possibility of illness. And if immediate medical care is needed, the trailer is stocked with equipment that includes stretchers and cameras for monitoring the animals during their trip back to Wayside Waifs.
Once the dogs from Savannah arrived at the shelter, they experienced what it is like to have a blanket to lie on, toys to play with and daily food and water. Most of all, they received the kindness of a human being and lifesaving medical care. And life only got better from there. They took their first steps toward finding their forever homes. But the mission is far from over. There are still thousands of animals waiting, silently suffering. And Wayside Waifs' Animal Rescue and Response Team continues to answer the call and make sure no animal is left behind.
In addition to these types of rescues, Wayside Waifs regularly partners with the ASPCA to provide support and medical care for animals in times of natural disaster, hoarding cases and dogfighting ring seizures. Wayside Waifs appreciates the ASPCA for their support of our rescue and disaster relief efforts through their partner organization grant program.
Foster Care Program
Foster Care Program
Give Love a Chance
Each year Wayside Waifs receives hundreds of animals that are not ready for adoption when they enter the shelter. We care for animals that are injured or sick, moms with litters, single babies who are too young, need training or behavior modification, or who just need some time out of the shelter to feel good again. That is where the real heroes, our volunteer foster families, take over and give these deserving animals the opportunity for real hope and the chance to find permanent families of their own.
Our dedicated foster families provide in-home care for these animals for an average of 2-4 weeks. With the TLC that our foster parents provide, these animals are able to receive the individual attention that they each desperately need to become something truly special - a lifetime companion. Not only is fostering a fun and educational activity for the whole family, but our foster parents report they are completely enriched by their experiences. They feel significant satisfaction knowing they made a direct impact on an animal’s life.
For their protection, all personal pets of foster parents must be current on vaccinations.
Please note the Foster Care Program is only for animals in Wayside Waifs' care. At this time we do not place animals that are owned by members of the public.
Complete an
application today and begin to feel the immediate fulfillment that comes with being a true hero for the animals! Contact Tyler Petty by
email or at 816-986-4429 to learn more about this life-saving program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long will I have a foster animal(s) in my home?
The average amount of time is 2-4 weeks, and is based upon the animal’s need for foster. The foster parent is always given a projected time line for each individual animal before accepting a placement.
What if I already have pets of my own?
Most of our foster parents do already have pets of their own. We will help you evaluate your ability to care for foster animals in conjunction with your own pets.
Do I need to keep my pets separated from my foster animals?
There are pros and cons to this question, so we recommend that you provide an area in your home that can be completely separate, and easily cleaned. Each situation is unique, so we will evaluate this based upon the home structure and the individual foster animals. Ultimately, it comes down to the best interest of all of the animals involved.
Can I choose what type of animal that I want to foster?
Absolutely! Our goal is to compatibly match you with an animal that you feel comfortable with and enjoy. It does not benefit you or the animal if you feel overwhelmed. We will contact you only when that type of animal is available. You can always let the coordinator know if you want to try something different!
How many animals can I foster at one time?
This is usually determined by the coordinator, based on the animal’s best interests, your experience and housing structure, and local Animal Control limitation laws.
What if I need to go out of town, or have an event that interferes with my ability to foster?
Life happens to all of us, just let the coordinator know. We often will transfer animals among different homes to help each other, and the animals!
What if I work?
Many of the animals that need fostering can easily be accommodated on a normal schedule. It is a factor we consider when looking at compatibility. Most animals, once adopted, will reside with people that have working schedules, and becoming accustomed to these routines in a foster home can make that animal much more adoptable.
What kind of costs will I incur?
The financial cost to foster an animal through our program is minimal, usually your own transportation costs. We provide all of the supplies through our generous donations, and all medical care is provided through our Vet Clinic.
How do my foster animals get adopted?
We currently have three different modes of adoption, and we select the type based upon the animal and the situation. We recognize and appreciate the attachment that foster families form with their foster animals, and encourage the foster families to participate in the adoption process at their discretion. We will also always report back to you when your animal is adopted!
Get Started
Step 1: Apply Online.
Step 2: Attend a Foster class. They are held on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Step 3: Start your foster parent adventure!
At the foster class, you will have the chance to speak with the Foster Care Manager about your individual home and what animals might be right for you. When animals at the shelter need fostering, requests will generally be made through email. With the high volume of animals that come to Wayside Waifs every year, at any given time we can have 20-150 animals needing foster care. Thank you for considering this amazing volunteer opportunity!