Helen Woodward Animal Center staff and dogs bid Jessie a “Bone Voyage”

Jessie, the golden retriever who captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide following a tragic accident that claimed the life of 6 year old Kaitlyn Hassard in Mannorville , New York , is making her final trip “home”.

Staff members and their dogs gathered Monday afternoon at Helen Woodward Animal Center for a “Bone Voyage” party during Jessie’s final day at the Center.

HWAC President Mike Arms thanked the staff, especially “foster mom” Megan Mc Carty, for the love and caring that they had extended to Jessie during her stay. Arms says, “Jessie has touched each of our hearts in a different way. We send our thoughts and prayers for the Hassard family as they deal with the loss of little Kaitlyn. And we thank them for their trust in Helen Woodward Animal Center to find Jessie a new home and loving family.”

More than 250 Adoption applications poured in from across the country. Helen Woodward Animal Center ’s pet adoption counselors narrowed down the field to about 70 based on Jessie’s needs and each family’s ability to provide proper care for a 70-pound adolescent golden retriever.

“Benji”, the dog adopted from a Mississippi animal shelter and the star of the “Benji Off the Leash” movie, reached into a bowl and selected three finalists. The first online application selected had been submitted by Gerald and Shari Boyd of Hesperia, California . The Boyds and their two dogs drove to Helen Woodward Animal Center where they met Jessie and participated in an adoption interview before their adoption application was approved.

“While Jessie’s story has generated publicity worldwide, here at Helen Woodward Animal Center she’s not very unusual,” says Public Relations Manager John Van Zante. “80% of the pets adopted from HWAC are just like Jessie in that they were transferred to us from other shelters. You might go so far as to say that we specialize in dogs and cats like this.”

Van Zante says that Jessie’s arrival in her new home is just another step in the process. “Once our staff members deliver Jessie to her new family, they will be visiting an animal shelter in San Bernardino that is operating near capacity. We hope to be able to transfer some of their dogs here at Helen Woodward Animal Center and match them with their new families….just like we did with Jessie.”