Hobo’s Healing Heart helps pet owners facing emergency veterinary care costs

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) -This week on KOTA CARES, we’re highlighting a nonprofit organization, Hobo’s Healing Heart, founded by Kelly Harnett.

After losing her once-in-a-lifetime dog, she was inspired to help pet owners struggling with emergency veterinary care expenses.

Kelly Harnett took in Hobo when he was eight months old, shy and scared of people.

Over the next four years, Hobo learned to trust people and other dogs. Together, they rehabilitated more than 150 neglected dogs, all of whom found forever homes.

At six years old, Hobo developed a cough that led to congestive heart failure. Despite financial challenges, Kelly ensured he received the medication he needed, allowing him to live for six and a half more years.

On March 30, 2012, Kelly had to finally say goodbye to Hobo. To honor him, she founded Hobo’s Healing Heart in 2014.

“Hobo’s Healing Heart was founded to aid pet owners in the Black Hills who are experiencing financial hardship with emergency vet care and cremation services. To date, we have helped 196 families, paying out just over $ 60,000 to area pet clinics and pet crematories,” said Kelly.

Hobo’s Healing Heart hosts a yearly 0.5k Trifecta Challenge around Black Hills Breweries to honor Hobo and bring the community together.

The event is family-friendly, and participants can even bring their pups along as they walk or run.

“The idea behind the Trifecta Challenge was to get people coming to all three events, so the first 60 people who complete registration for all three will get a Trifecta Award at the last event. The funds raised at Crow Peak will stay in Butte, Custer, Lawrence, Meade, Fall River, Crook, and Weston County. The funds raised in Rapid City will stay in Pennington County, and the funds raised in Hill City will go to our greatest need,” said Kelly.

The first Trifecta Challenge is Sunday, April 27th, at Crow Peak Brewing in Spearfish, kicking off at noon. To get involved with Hobo’s Healing Heart, click here.

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