By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

The Mower County Humane Society is a nonprofit organization that is run entirely by volunteers. The shelter relies completely on fundraising and donations. It receives no funding from organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A donation made to the MCHS is used solely for the purpose of caring for the many animals in our facility.

The generous support that the MCHS receives from the public never ceases to amaze its volunteers. This support was fully evident at February’s Pasta Dinner and Silent/Live Auction Fundraiser. Over $15,000 was raised for the shelter A huge thanks to all who donated, participated, and helped to make this annual event an incredible success. It is truly appreciated.

At the MCHS, the hard work never stops. The cat side of the shelter has been hit particularly hard for a long time now. Though the adoptions have been going well, there are still over 120 cats in residence. Sadly, it seems that kitten season is staring early, too.

The shelter has already received two pregnant cats within the last couple of weeks. Both mommas were found abandoned on the side of a road in town. They are most likely siblings and barely a year old themselves. One of these young cats gave birth to four stillborn kittens. The other had five kittens and only three survived.

Kittens are cute, but they do present a problem at the shelter. The average kitten has to be at least three pounds before it can be spayed or neutered. This means an average stay of at least three months at the shelter. This makes it very difficult to accommodate the many adult cats that are found abandoned and need help. There is simply not enough space.

The need for spaying and neutering is incredibly important. The MCHS is currently sponsoring a low cost spay and neuter clinic for cats at Austin Veterinary Clinic through the end of March. The cost is $40 for a neuter and $50 for a spay. Vaccinations are offered for $10 each if a surgery is performed. This clinic is for Mower County residents only and appointments can be made by calling Austin Vet at 433-5225.

The clinic at Austin Vet is set up to accommodate about 200 cats and space is still available. Volunteers would love to see more people take advantage of it. Spaying and neutering 200 cats can effectively eliminate around 1,000 unwanted kittens.

The MCHS is really in need of adult volunteers on the cat side. Help is needed Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 7:30 to around 10 a.m.. Please feel free to speak to a volunteer during adoption hours on Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 and Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:00.

The MCHS is grateful for donations in memory of “Cricket” Landherr, Maureen Momsen, Donald E. Larick, Terry Garness, Marion Tangren, Clarence, Thelma, and Donna Nybo, Lorraine Krupicka, “Ryker” Gunter, and Jill Haubenschild.