(L-R) Tabitha Meadows, Courtney Riggs, Karen Aquino and Connie Andrews recite the names of pets honored at the Joplin Humane Society's First Annual Tree of Remembrance. The event took place on December 5, 2009 near JC Penney at the Northpark Mall. Aquino, who is the Humane Society director, read poetry that touched the hearts of the audience. About $1,000 was collected from the families' that reflected on the important roles their dogs and cats have played in their lives. The tree, pictured in the background, is decorated with the organization's wish list that also may be found by going here-- joplinhumane.org/pdf/wishlist.pdf. For more information contact the Joplin Humane Society business office at 211 S. Main St., Joplin; phone (417) 206-3678.