by Carol Mowdy Bond | Photos courtesy of Haven of Hope
In 2009, Lori and Richard Jones opened Haven of Hope, focusing on abused, dumped, abandoned, and last-chance dogs and puppies from large and giant breeds. The rescue organization has placed hundreds of dogs in forever homes throughout Missouri, New York, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, and Canada. Dogs all over Oklahoma have found their forever families because of Haven of Hope.
“We adopted a puppy to a beautiful couple last year,” says Lori Jones. “They are repeat adopters who live in the Tulsa area. We’ve had several dogs go to the Tulsa area.”
At Haven of Hope, located on five acres between Piedmont and Okarche, the Joneses accept dogs from various sources, including rural shelters with sparse resources. They try to respond when law-
enforcement agencies need help. When Haven of Hope is at capacity, the Joneses give direction to people who find animals that need homes. Dozens of people contact them weekly.
With 55 dogs on the premises, Haven of Hope is at its highest capacity since inception. The rescue has two facilities of approximately 2,400 square feet each. Together, they can comfortably house 50 to 60 dogs and puppies. Each canine has its own individual space, and there are plenty of big, open spaces so dogs can romp, run, and enjoy the outdoors.
The Story of Tree
All this comes with experiences and “tails” to tell.
So in 2019, Lori Jones released her first book, Me and Tree, about a treeing walker coonhound named Tree who arrived at Haven of Hope as a puppy. Even as a pup, Tree helped with the most vulnerable new arrivals by introducing himself to them and befriending them. The Joneses found Tree’s abilities and personality unlike those of any other dog. As a result, they made Tree a permanent family member and part of their rescue team.
Then in 2021, Jones released her second book, Me and Tree: Always the Best Big Brother. In that book, she told the story of how Tree became the guardian and “big brother” of a sick puppy named Rocket Man. The pup grew and thrived under Tree’s care. Jones’ third book is Tree Finds an Angel. All are published by Pat Becker Books.
Becker, a friend and donor-sponsor of Haven of Hope who funds the Me and Tree series, hopes the books inspire people to adopt rescue dogs.
“Pat believes in our mission, and she has made a tremendous impact on our program and our ability to expand and grow,” Jones says.
Various Sources of Funding
Book sales are only part of Haven of Hope’s funding mechanism. In addition, Haven of Hope’s popular Hope Farms spicy dill pickles are produced at a packing facility. The Joneses also make ornaments, magnets, jewelry, and other items to sell. They sell their wares at Piedmont’s Junklahoma, held annually in September. The Old Store in Piedmont also sells Haven of Hope items.
Financial donations keep Haven of Hope open, along with quarterly and special online auctions, year-end fund-raisers for the holidays, and fund-raisers for medical expenses. All proceeds “go to the dogs.”
The Joneses maintain a huge list of very specific needs for in-kind donations that include blankets, towels, comforters, certain toys, specific brands of dog food and treats, and certain cleaning items.
A Need and a Commitment
But despite all the funding and elbow grease, a difficult issue continues to mushroom.
“If we built a third facility, it would be full within a few short weeks,” Jones says. “No matter what we do, there are more dogs in need every day. People dump dogs and full puppy litters, backyard breeders mass-produce litter after litter, people abandon and surrender their pets, and some people just will not spay or neuter. All of these contribute to a massive pet overpopulation problem.”
Regardless, the Joneses are committed to their mission. In fact, their parents initiated the Haven of Hope concept early in the life of each of them.
“It seems we operate a children’s home for dogs, and in doing so, we honor our parents,” says Lori Jones. “My dad instilled a deep love of dogs at an early age. He was always bringing home a lost dog. My mom loved and appreciated all of the smallest of God’s creatures. We always had animals growing up — dogs, cats, horses, chickens, ducks, parakeets, and guinea pigs. I was taught to help those that were helpless or injured. Daddy would help me care for injured wildlife. But he always made sure I understood that when they were healed, they needed to be released back into their wild environment.”
When Richard Jones was growing up, his parents were social workers at a children’s home in north Tulsa, so the idea of caring for other beings was instilled in him too.
Purchase items, donate, and follow Haven of Hope on Facebook. Check out the website, www.havenofhoperescue.com.
