5th Grade Essay Contest
HTAS works with the Columbia Public School District in offering our Happy Tails Animal Sanctuary/Columbia Public Schools 5th Grade Essay Contest each year. We open the contest up to all 5th graders in the area to participate in our essay contest. Our theme each year is "What My Pet Means To Me." We have been working with the school district since 2001. Each winner is recognized in their respective school during a presentation of the certificates.
Juvenile Justice Center Program
We currently operate an educational program at the Boone County Juvenile Justice Center and have been working with youth offenders since 2003. It is a fact that youth violence and animal abuse can often lead to adult violence. Only by reaching out to the young people and teaching them about caring, compassion and love through animals, will it help stop the senseless violence and turmoil our youth face today.
Nursing Home Visits
HTAS periodically visits various nursing homes within Columbia and the surrounding area. We enjoy sharing animal welfare knowledge with the clients and they love interacting with the animals.
Columbia Daily Tribune – Happy Tails Tips
HTAS has been offering animal welfare advice through their weekly columns in the Columbia Daily Tribune since 2003.
Future Programs
In the future (once we have our permanent facility) we hope to start an intergenerational program for seniors and youth, have a summer camp for kids, and work with hospice patients.