Staff Spotlight:
Jessica Kirby

Jessica with "Freckles"

Jessica has always loved animals. She grew up in a house with cats and dogs and always dreamt of having a career in which she could help animals, so it’s no surprise that she would find herself working at the HSGKC. Jessica grew up in Kansas City and after she graduated from Park Hill High School, she went on to study at the KC Art Institute, but felt that she belonged elsewhere. So, in 2005, Jessica joined the team at the HSGKC. As a receptionist, Jessica helps check patients in to the low-cost veterinary clinic. She also shows adoptable animals to potential adopters and helps with various tasks around the office.

When not at work, this self-proclaimed homebody enjoys spending time with her family, whether it’s working with her son on his speech, fixing up the house they just purchased, or just relaxing with her four dogs. Mickey (a Chow/Shepherd mix Jessica found at the HSGKC), Leah (a Border Collie mix she has had since she was 18), Holly and Ben (both Boston Terriers) make for a lot of furry fun.

Jessica also fosters pets because she feels it’s great to make a difference in the lives of those animals. She has fostered for several groups including Boston Terrier Rescue, KC Angels, and the HSGKC. One animal that she fostered was Bartok, a dog who was mostly blind and completely deaf. Jessica felt that she was in a unique position to help Bartok because her son is also deaf. She says, “Deafness is only a disability if you let it be and Bartok wouldn’t let it be.”

Jessica does not have a favorite shelter pet, although she enjoys getting to know the long-timers. She explains that each pet has their own unique personality and quirks, just like any other co-worker. She enjoys each of them in a different way. Jessica also wants everyone at the HSGKC to know that “it’s a great place when we all work together.” She adds that even if your task seems small, you should remember “every little bit helps.”

Grab the leash and your best friend for the 22nd Annual Dog-n-Jog on Sunday, June 14 on The Country Club Plaza from 7-10:30 am. Registration is now open at www.dognjog.org. Register early for $25 or day-of for $35, included t-shirt and a fun pack.

Summer’s approaching, and you know what that means…Hot Weather! It also means that it’s almost time for Dog-N-Jog. Our wonderful volunteers, runners, walkers and their pooches partake in this special event every year to raise funds for our furry friends. But with June weather comes the June sun. And in order to keep our participants calm, cool and collected, we’ll need water bottles to hand out during the day. The next time you’re filling your grocery cart, make sure to top it off with a case or two of bottled water and drop it by the shelter during your next visit.

For a list of other items and services we need, check out our Sit Up and Beg Wish List.

Yes, happy hour has gone to the dogs. Join us for Yappy Hour, 4-8 pm, Wednesday, April 29 at 810 Zone in Town Center in Leawood (4800 W. 119th St.). A portion of food sales will be donated to the HSGKC, Animal Haven and Wayside Waifs. Kansas City Wizards players will be at the event from 5:30-7 pm to sign autographs.

Dog’s Night at the Wizards is Saturday, May 23. The game begins at 7:30 pm, but you’ll want to come early to go through the Big Dog Tent, participate in the dog costume contest and more. Dog/people tickets are only $30 and people tickets are $15. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the HSGKC, Animal Haven and Wayside Waifs. There is a limited number of dog/people tickets, so sign up early. Click here to purchase your people/dog tickets today or for more info.

NBC Action News weatherman Gary Lezak will bring his best friends to Dog's Night at The Wizards.

If you'd like to come to the game without your dog, a people only ticket is $15 and your ticket purchase can still benefit us! Click here to purchase your people only tickets. Be sure to enter the Promo Code DNO2009. Our shelter will receive $5 for each ticket sold with that promo code.

Expand your horizons and build your library. Shop at Books a Million in The Legends at Village West on Saturday, May 2 & June 6 from 11-3 and 20% of your purchase will be donated to us! Be sure to spread the word!

We need your help to round up raffle and auction items for the 22nd Annual Dog-n-Jog on Sunday, June 14. Any item is welcome, whether from a personal collection or even a business (valued at $20 or more). Contact Jo at 913-596-1000 x 22 if you want to donate items or collect them.

Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed my tell all views last month. I have a few more points that need to be brought up for those who don’t know me very well. Sometimes I’ll be sashaying through the volunteer room and fall over. No need to panic and call 911 and no I haven’t been hitting the catnip too hard; I just want to be petted!

Has anyone noticed my beautiful collection of collars? I am not one to beg for attention, but I do get many comments on my beautiful collars. I suppose the attention is just something I will have to learn to live with. It is so hard being beautiful. My favorite is the hot pink feather boa. It reflects my feminine charm. I guess wearing the collars isn’t as bad as when Jo tries to dress me in dog clothes. What does she think I am? Dog clothes! Ugh!

Also, check out my new litter box. They just up and redecorated my bathroom without asking. How would you feel about that? I’m not very happy about the lack of consent, but I suppose the added filter and privacy flap is a step up from the open window. Well, I still have things to say, but guess what? You got it, nap time! Till next time…

Purrs & Kisses – B

P.S. Don’t be afraid to ask me anything. No question is too silly.

Annie, Bitsy, Dandy, Magnus,

Piper, Roxie, Trixie... and several more!