Pitbull adoptions hint at brighter future

By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

A new year has arrived and volunteers at the MCHS are looking forward to it with much anticipation.

Tentative plans have been drawn up for our new shelter and the new building fund is well established. Although the location for the new shelter has not yet been selected, our new building will encompass over 7,200 square feet; ample enough space to house the ever increasing number of homeless dogs and cats in our area.

In 2011, the MCHS placed 135 dogs and 126 cats into new homes. We took in 95 unclaimed dogs and 72 unclaimed cats from the city pound, saving them from euthanasia. The total cost of operating the MCHS for 2011 was $96,419. Veterinary expenses alone were $52,149.

We truly appreciate the financial support that we receive from the community.

The MCHS has worked very hard over the past few years to change public perception regarding pit bulls.

Many shelters, including the MCHS, have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of pit bulls and pit mixes within the last five years. These dogs account for about 33 percent of the dogs housed in shelters. Over 2,000 of them are put to sleep in the United States every day. It’s estimated that only 1 out of 600 pit bulls will find a forever home.

Yet they are the number one type of dog being bred in the United States.

 A promising future

The MCHS is a no kill shelter and has cared for dozens of these delightful dogs. At one time, pit bulls and pit mixes made up about a third of our shelter’s dog population. It was not uncommon for them to spend six months to a year waiting for a home.

We have seen a promising change, however. Fewer of them entering our shelter and we’ve successfully adopted out many long term, pittie residents. We’re hoping that this reflects a change in attitude towards them. Our volunteers remain devoted advocates for these “nanny dogs,” stating emphatically that “there’s no love like pittie love.”

 MCHS holding spay and neuter clinic

In March, the MCHS will once again sponsor a reduced cost, feline spay and neuter clinic at Austin Veterinary Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling Austin Veterinary Clinic at 433-1261, beginning on Feb. 13.

Spaying and neutering is so important. The MCHS took in 115 homeless cats in 2011 alone.

 Plan to attend dinner, auction

The annual Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Holiday Inn in Austin.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children under nine. Please join us for food and fun to benefit our shelter residents.

The MCHS is grateful for memorials received in honor of Roland Finley, Marcine Bendtsen, “Felicity,” “Phyllis,” and “Star” Zimmerman, David Sutter, “Cookie” Sandell, Gene Roden, “Miss Kitty” Holby, “Woodie” Snow, Walter Stoll, Sheri Day, Clarence and Thelma Nybo, and Erliss Grass.