Harleyís Hope Foundation raised more than $2,000 at its Tea & Biscuits holiday fundraiser held at the Black Forest Community Center Dec. 9.All proceeds benefited the Black Forest-based organization in its mission to ensure that low-income pet owners and their pet companions or service animals remain together during tough times, said Cynthia Bullock, executive director who co-founded the organization in 2010 with her husband, David Bullock.ìWe wanted to make more people aware of what Harleyís Hope Foundation is and what it does,î Cynthia Bullock said of the holiday-themed event.The tea party event grew from Bullockís own love of tea parties ñ- she provided the tea pots and china from her personal collection for the party.About 60 people registered for the event, and attendees were treated to black teas and Christmas blends alongside an array of sweets and finger foods. The Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society provided holiday music, and Santa Claus made a surprise visit.A silent auction that included car magnets, animal toys, mugs, water bottles, artwork, ornaments and catnip for both cats and dogs contributed to the total $2,026 raised.ìHelping these animals is important, and it means so much to pet parents,î said Shelley Roach, the organizationís operations manager, who has volunteered with Harleyís Hope Foundation for almost two years.Following the loss of their dog, Harvey, to cancer, the Bullocks recognized the need to assist pet owners who might not have the financial means to properly care for their pets.ìSix-and-a-half million pets are given up every year,î Bullock said. She has worked in animal welfare and rescue for 13 years in Colorado and California.ìOf those 6.5 million, roughly 1 million are pets of families who are dealing with a crisis who think that their only option is to give up their animals, whether that means surrendering them or euthanizing them. The more animals we can provide with a fighting chance, the better.îThe foundation provides services for pets and owners nationwide, including financial assistance for major emergencies or veterinary care; an assistance program for medical service and assistance dogs; a special services project that focuses on elderly and disabled pet owners with pets in need, as well as elderly and disabled animals; short-term foster care; and pet first aid/CPR training.Since its inception seven years ago, Harleyís Hope Foundation has assisted countless pets and their owners, like Annette Hergenroder, a homeless veteran who turned to the organization for help. The organization has provided foster care for her three cats: Esme, 13; Phoebe, 5; and Maia, 5. All three of them are certified emotional support animals, Hergenroder said.ìHarleyís Hope Foundation takes really good care of my cats. They love animals and theyíve been absolutely wonderful,î said Hergenroder, who learned about the organization through her veterinarians. She visits her animals about three times a week, and when she can, she volunteers with Harleyís Hope.The foundation also participates in the Shelter Animals Count effort to accurately track animals helped throughout the country, according to its website. To track the effectiveness of its services, Harleyís Hope Foundation follows up with its clients at six- and 12-month intervals after assistance.According to the website, 92 percent of the client animals ìare still alive and in their original homesî one year after receiving assistance.Statistics posted on the website show that in 2016, the foundation assisted 87 animals through its various programs; assisted in 70 major or emergency veterinary cases; provided short-term emergency foster care for 17 animals; and helped 170 animals receive preventive care at veterinary clinics.ìIf it werenít for Harleyís Hope, I would have lost (my cats) back in June,î Hergenroder said. ìI canít imagine not having (my cats) for emotional support. Knowing theyíre safe is helpful.îFor more information on Harleyís Hope Foundation or to apply for assistance, visit http://harleys-hopefoundation.org.
