EVE HASLAM

There are thousands of stories about the ways that SOAR has touched the lives of homeless animals that have come through its gates, but there are also stories of humans who have been touched in special ways. Such is the story of a woman named Eve Haslam. Since her first meeting with SOAR years ago, Eve has become a very special friend to homeless animals everywhere.

One day back in 1998, Eve rescued her first dog. With the dog safely in her car and not knowing what she should do next, she drove to a local vet asking where she could take the poor pup. He suggested a place named SOAR. With cryptic directions, Eve finally found SOAR about an hour later. It was there that she met Jeannine, SOAR’s owner. In addition to accepting the dog, Jeannine spent quite a bit of time with Eve giving her an overview of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of animal rescue. On that day Eve decided that she would do everything in her power to help Jeannine and her mission to save animals.

Eve held tight to her promise. In 1999, Eve started a rescue organization of her own, called the Giving Voice Network. Their motto was “Giving Voice…for those unable to say”. The organization’s mission was to find homes for unwanted cats and dogs in North Carolina. As part of this mission, a strong emphasis was placed on recruiting foster homes and raising public awareness about spaying and neutering. The Giving Voice Network also educated people about healthy pet care. Several hundred cats and dogs were rescued through 2003, when Eve decided to move back to Vermont and close the Giving Voice Network.

Today, Eve gives full credit to Jeanine for her involvement in rescue. The mission of the Giving Voice Network carries on “unofficially” in the rescue work that Eve continues to do in Vermont. Eve is the Animal Control officer in her town. As part of her job, she screens applicants for adoption and finds homes for stray animals. Eve has also implemented a new animal control ordinance that includes strict definitions designed to protect animals from cruelty and abuse.

When Eve’s not at work, she is heavily involved in another facet of animal rescue that many may not even know exists. It is called Animal Transport, and Eve functions as a coordinator. Coordinators work with volunteers across the country to safely transport abused or homeless animals to their new loving, forever homes. This process is done mostly over the internet. On a typical day, Eve receives over 50 emails referring to various emergencies—shelter animals about to be euthanized, shelter closings, or neglected or abused animals needing immediate rescue. Eve works with various “drivers”—volunteers scattered all over the country who have offered to drive a “leg” of a trip with a rescued animal. A typical leg is 100 miles. Eve arranges their route, and the meeting places and times between drivers so that the transport will flow smoothly. It is a hands-on, extremely time-consuming job where Eve must think and act quickly and must be able to communicate accurately to all members of the rescue team. Eve does not get rewarded monetarily for the work she does, but the reward is even more special to her. It is the feeling of deep joy that she receives knowing that she has given a homeless animal a second chance for the happy life that each one deserves.

Thanks to Jeannine’s willingness to teach Eve what animal rescue is all about, the homeless and neglected animals in this country certainly have found a powerful ally. As important as it is to save animals, it is equally important to teach others about the rescue effort. Teaching others sows the seeds in minds like Eve’s—who someday will help carry on the rescue mission. If this story has touched you in any way, please contact SOAR or your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Learn more about what you can do to help homeless and/or injured animals. And once you do become involved, spread the word! Help educate others. Jeannine, and all the volunteers at SOAR, are helping one animal at a time, and one person at a time.