The Joplin Humane Society has faced an astounding challenge in handling the animals that survived but were lost after the horrific tornado that devastated over a quarter of Joplin. With assistance from several other state and national animal humane & rescue groups, they have taken in over 800 animals and reunited more than 250. The staff and volunteers have done a stellar job under adverse circumstances including the death of the Executive Director Karen Aquino’s step-daughter, Rachel Markham, who perished in the disaster.