Animal Lover Sacrifices Comfort to Raise Awareness for Rescue Animals

Matthew Baker, an animal lover and the founder of Heroes Everywhere Animal Rescue (H.E.A.R), and his wife forsake their bed to sleep beside over 60 rescue animals. Beginning April 7, they will live outdoors with these animals, braving discomfort to draw attention to the pressing animal crisis in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana.

Currently caring for 64 dogs in need of homes, Baker’s decision to sacrifice his comfort aims to shed light on the plight of stray animals and raise funds to establish a suitable facility for their care. “I plan to sleep outside with the dogs for as long as it takes to raise enough money to be able to build a suitable facility for them,” Baker expressed. His ambitious goal is to raise approximately $250,000 to construct a 25-kennel facility where volunteer veterinarians can provide essential care, including neutering, for the growing population of stray animals in Ville Platte.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) website underscores the severity of the situation, reporting intake numbers ranging between 4,000 and 5,000 stray animals annually. This staggering figure reflects the urgent need for action.

Addie Ortego, a lifelong resident of Ville Platte, attests to the distressing reality on the ground. “I live in a neighborhood and it’s beyond unimaginable how many there are. You see so many that are just starving,” she shared. As an employee at Paul’s Meat Market in Ville Platte, Ortego witnesses firsthand the plight of these animals, many of whom wander in search of food and shelter.

Baker’s initiative not only aims to provide immediate relief to these animals but also to address the root causes of the crisis through education, awareness, and proactive measures such as spaying and neutering.

For those interested in supporting H.E.A.R.’s mission by adopting a pet or volunteering, the Bakers welcome assistance. Their shelter, located at 1771 Cousins Road in Ville Platte, serves countless animals in need of care, compassion, and a loving home.

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