Chairman's love for Wayside Waifs began with his own reluctant adoption

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In 2011, Wayside Waifs celebrated its best year ever, placing 5,300 animals in loving homes. A success often credited to Harold Melcher, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors.

As a shelter that often basks in national recognition, it’s hard to imagine that nearly 15 years ago, Wayside was in danger of closing down.

At the time in 1998, Melcher was not much of an animal person. He and his wife had an old dog named Elliott who they feared was nearing the end of his life.

“We decided we should have a companion,” said Melcher. “Someone to be with us if anything should happen to Elliott.”

Melcher’s wife reached out to a friend who was on the Wayside Waifs board. The friend found a dog for the family, but Melcher was reluctant to visit the shelter.

“This was the old Wayside Waifs, a small converted farmhouse about to fall down,” Melcher recalled. “I wouldn't come out so they brought this young lady to our house.”

The young lady was a 2-year-old mixed breed called Sophie, who was terrified of men, including Melcher.

But he was smitten.

Over the next few months, both Melcher and Sophie caught a case of puppy love and have been inseparable ever since.

In fact, Sophia had such a strong impact on Melcher, he began to love all animals and a desire to help them set in.

“One day," Melcher recalled, "I called the development director at Wayside and said 'did they ever get you a new building to replace the farmhouse?'”

The development director told Melcher they did move into a new building, thanks to a $5 million campaign. But the campaign fell short and even though they had a new facility, they couldn’t install air conditioners, which meant when the weather warmed up, the shelter would have to close.

“I thought ‘well, maybe we can help out,’” said Melcher.

As a businessman, Melcher had a long reach in the community, so when they decided to pick up where the campaign left off, Melcher got in contact with his friends.

“I had never been connected with a campaign or raised 10 cents going out and I took it on,” Melcher said. “I called a number of my friends and the economy was good and the stock market was perfect and everyone I called came through and we got the campaign going.”

Melcher became Chairman of the Wayside Waifs Board of Directors, dedicating his retirement to saving animals.

“His vision is amazing, he has this sense of what will work and what won't work,” said Wayside Waifs President Cynthia Smith.

While Smith is confidant the shelter would have found its way eventually, she said Wayside would not be the strong, nationally recognized organization that it is now without Harold Melcher.

“He understands the connection between animals and people,” Smith said.

Melcher took his knowledge and experience in the business world and set up a business-like model for Wayside Waifs.

Even in his 90s, Melcher still visits the shelter several days a week. He approves every newsletter that is sent out and is constantly looking for ways to move forward.

“He's the one who pushed us toward social media: Facebook, Twittering and blogging” said Smith. “He really is on the cutting edge because he's always looking for how to take Wayside to the next level.”

But Melcher refuses to take all the credit.

“Everything you see, if it weren't for the staff that are here and are so dedicated, it just wouldn't happen,” he said.

And through all his successes through business, Wayside Waifs is the one that has touched him most.

“All through life I've had good experiences in business and all but this is the most rewarding,” said Melcher.

And none of it would have happened had it not been for Sophie.

“She's the one that helped save the shelter."

Because behind every great man, stands his best friend.