Carey Sharp
Mower County Humane Society Secretary

Autumn has arrived and a sure sign of it for us at the Mower County Humane Society was the annual Walk for Animals, which was held on Sunday, Sept. 12, at Austin’s Mill Pond.

The weather cooperated and we had a great day for this very important, yearly fundraiser. There was a large turnout, with a wonderful array of dogs (and 1 cat). For the shelter volunteers who participated, it was an opportunity to be briefly reunited with some of the wonderful dogs that we’ve loved and adopted out to forever homes. We never forget and neither do they.

For all their hard work, we would like to thank Kelly Rush, Jay Lutz, Lisa and John Dockstader, Barry Rush, Don and Mona Rush, Wendy Arnett, Ruth Langohr, Rita Klassen, Emily Mayotte, Pam Miller, and Evie Anderson. Their efforts made the Walk a success. Future fundraisers include The Portrait Shoppe Holiday Photo Shoot for pets on Sunday, Nov. 7, and Younkers Community Day on Saturday, Nov. 13, (coupon books can be purchased at the MCHS for $5). There will be more details at a later date.

The 14th Annual Walk for Animals raised close to $18,000. We are truly thankful for this. The MCHS expenses to date, are approximately $75,000. Please remember that the MCHS is completely run by volunteers. Our organization survives due to fundraising and donations. We are an independent entity, not affiliated with either the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). We receive no “trickle-down” funding from either of these organizations or any local government agencies. It’s important to emphasize this as we’ve had supporters who have donated to the HSUS or the ASPCA thinking it would benefit our shelter, only to find out the truth at a later date.

The money that we take in from donations and fundraising allows us to provide thorough veterinarian care for our cats and dogs. No animal leaves our shelter without being spayed or neutered and vaccinated. We also address any health issues, providing our animals with any necessary medications and therapies. We take great pride in adopting out cats and dogs who are healthy and happy and the financial support of the public enables us to do this.

The MCHS recently took in a young cat who exemplifies the success we can achieve due to the money we receive through public generosity. The Austin Police Dept. called regarding this kitten, who was found with a mangled right, front leg. She was taken to Austin Vet Clinic where it was determined that her leg would have to be amputated. We’re happy to report that she’s made a wonderful recovery and is playful and happy, despite having only 3 legs. At 4 months old, “I-lene” is ready to be adopted into an indoor, forever home. Her story could have had an unhappy ending without the support we receive.

As always, we are grateful for memorials received in memory of Larry O’Brien, “Louis”, Pam Sheely, “Patches” Fritsch, “Dakotah” Daniel, John Draayer, and David Burgeson.

Carey Sharp