By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

It’s been a long road. The doors are now open at our new facility. Tours have been given and the new building is well received. It will be a safe haven for approximately 130 cats and 25 dogs as they wait for their forever homes.

Leaving the old building is bittersweet. It served us well. Every corner holds memories for our volunteers and the many animals we’ve loved, nurtured, and sent on to a better life.

Animal rescue is not easy. There is great joy, but also frustration and heartache. It is not about ego. All that matters are the animals in our care. Hopefully, the new facility will continue this legacy into the next generation.

For now, the work continues. Overpopulation is still a serious problem. Calls come in every day, asking us to take in more animals. Those who work on the cat side are frequently asked to take entire litters of kittens. It simply isn’t possible.

Spaying and neutering is the only surefire way to control overpopulation. On Sept. 19, the MCHS will again host the MN Spay/Neuter Assistance Program. This mobile veterinary clinic provides low cost spay and neuter surgeries to income eligible people. There are still appointments available for cats only. Please contact mnsnap.org or call 612-720-8236 for more information.

The MCHS has awesome animals available for adoption. Earl is a senior cat and a favorite. He’s a mellow guy, loves to purr and actually seems to say, “hello.” He suffers from glaucoma and has lost an eye as a result, but it doesn’t stop him. He currently needs eye drops to treat his remaining eye. One bottle lasts for months and the cost is minimal. He actually likes to visit the vet. Please stop in to “chat” with him during an open house.

As a no kill shelter, the MCHS often has animals in its care for quite a while. They hold a special place in volunteers’ hearts. Mazey, a dog, is one such resident. She’s finally found a home, just short of her four year anniversary with us.

Found as a timid stray, her time with us was a series of baby steps. Getting her on a leash to leave the building for a walk was difficult. She was terrified of cars, making vet visits or even travel to a new home difficult. Volunteer Gordie Gunter worked with her successfully on these issues. Volunteers will miss Mazey’s special hugs, but are thrilled that she’s finally getting her chance.

The Walk for Animals will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 at Mill Pond. Prizes include MCHS merchandise, gift cards from Hy-Vee, Casey’s and Mills Fleet Farm. The top junior fundraiser will receive a bowling/swim party package from the Holiday Inn. Officer Matt Holten and K9 Sonic will lead the walk and hold a demonstration.

The MCHS is grateful for donations in memory of Barbara Burton, Jean King, “Kirby” Sammon, “Madison” Black, Denise Benson, and Shay Peckham.