By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

Winter rolls on and it’s business as usual at the Mower County Humane Society. The year 2015 was pretty successful for the shelter as 190 cats and about 130 dogs were adopted. The shelter took in more than 300 animals and over 50 percent of them came from the city pound.

The first priority of the MCHS is to rescue the cats and dogs that go unclaimed at the city pound. Volunteers work closely with the police department to ensure the care and safety of the animals at the pound. The pound will even hold animals longer than the 10-day hold period until the MCHS has space. It is safe to say that the MCHS rescues nearly 100 percent of the animals that enter the city pound.

Even though adoptions are going well, the MCHS is still over capacity. The cat side regularly houses about 150 cats. The dog side averages about 30 to 35 dogs at all times. The cat side was originally designed to care for about 100 cats comfortably. The dog side has 26 permanent kennels. Volunteers are frequently called upon to figure out how to squeeze just one more critter into the crowded conditions.

Spaying and neutering is the only way to curb the overpopulation. Many people just don’t have the money to fix their pets. The MCHS is involved with a couple of programs that can help.

The MCHS along with the Austin Veterinary Clinic is once again offering a feline spay/neuter clinic from Feb. 23 through March 31. Cats can be spayed or neutered at Austin Vet Clinic for the reduced cost of $40 for a neuter and $50 for a spay. Vaccinations are available for $10 during this time, but only if a surgery is performed. Appointments can be made now by calling Austin Vet at 507-433-5225.

The MCHS also hosts the MN Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP) every other month at the shelter. This mobile veterinary clinic offers reduced cost spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and microchipping and is open to both cats and dogs.

Dog surgeries are $60 ($70 if the animal is over 50 pounds). Cat spays are $50 and cat neuters are $40. Vaccinations are $10 and microchips are $20, but only are available if a surgery is performed. The next visits are scheduled for March 17 and May 26. For appointment information and eligibility requirements go to www.mnsnap.org.

Volunteers are gearing up for the annual Pasta Dinner and Silent/Live Auction fundraiser. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom in Austin. It runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $10 for adults and $4 for kids 8 and under. Prices at the door are $12 for adults and $5 for kids 8 and under. Tickets are available at the MCHS, Double K Specialty, and the Holiday Inn.

We are thankful for donations received in memory of Arnold Weber, “Casey” Wessels, “Toto” Kerling, Stella Prybelski, Tom Sharp, Florence Maloney, and Angelo Crandall.