Assisted living center aids DeSoto Animal Rescue Society
A new Olive Branch assisted living center has offered a hand, not just to caress a pet, but also to help feed those who are cared for by the DeSoto Animal Rescue Society.
Kerri Reece, president of the society, also known as DARS, said Culpepper Place, a new center on Pleasant Hill Road in Olive Branch, wanted to become more involved in the community.
The center’s Marketing Director Meghan Austria approached Reece about making a donation.
Reece suggested Austria make a trip to the Hollywood Feed animal supply store near the center and spend money for DARS there.
Reece and the society’s mascot DARSy recently accepted the first of what is expected to be an ongoing series of donations for the animals assisted by the society,
“We prefer to support our local businesses, especially during these uncertain times,” Austria said. “Hollywood Feed is not only a local company but our next door neighbor and a huge supporter of local pet rescues.”
Reece said once things get safer post-pandemic, DARS and Culpepper Place are planning to join forces for the benefit of the animals and residents who live at Culpepper Place.
“We are truly grateful for this donation from Culpepper Place of Olive Branch Assisted Living,” Reece said. “We are limited in our fundraising opportunities right now, and every bit helps us help more animals. Even our biggest fundraiser of the year, our 16th annual Walk for Wags & Whiskers, is going to have to go virtual.”
Reece noted the importance of quality food and equipment when caring for pets, of which Hollywood Feed is known for stocking things needed to quality care.
Reece also took a moment to remind pet owners of the need to spay or neuter their pets.
“It’s been an unusually busy kitten season this year, with so many clinics being shuttered this spring, right at a critical time for spay / neuter,” said Reece.
Called a “Voice for the Voiceless,” the DeSoto Animal Rescue Society aids in helping families foster and adopt homeless animals. DARS also helps educate people about pet overpopulation and advocates for the humane treatment of all companion animals.
Culpepper Place Assisted Living Center in Olive Branch is one of the newest such facilities in DeSoto County.
It is part of the Foster Hospitality Group of centers and has offered 64 beds since its opening in the spring of 2018. Foster Hospitality Group is based in Springfield, Missouri, has been in existence for more than 60 years, Culpepper Place in Olive Branch is the only Mississippi location. There are other centers owned by the Foster Hospitality Group in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, along with two locations in Bartlett and Collierville, Tennessee.
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