By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

It’s taken its sweet time, but spring is here.

Volunteers and residents at the MCHS can’t wait for warm temperatures, sunshine and dry run yards. It will be nice to open windows and let the dogs bask in the outside runs. The cats will be able to enjoy fresh air as they take advantage of their outside, screened “catio.”

The MCHS is run entirely by volunteers. No one is paid and any money that the organization receives comes from donations and fundraising. The MCHS receives no funding from national organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). It is important to reiterate this occasionally. Sometimes people will donate to one of the larger organizations, thinking it will trickle down to the MCHS. This is not the case.

The MCHS relies upon and cherishes local, public support. Many important events benefiting the shelter will be coming up in the next few weeks.

The new “Runnings” store in Austin will be celebrating its opening with a grand opening celebration this week. On Saturday, May 17, the store is hosting a meet and greet for the MCHS. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the store’s location in the old Kmart building. MCHS volunteers will be on site with adoptable animals and merchandise to sell. Donations will also be collected to benefit the shelter. Welcome to the community “Runnings” and thank you!

On Saturday, May 31, the Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) will once again hold a meet and greet to benefit the MCHS. This yearly event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CRC facility located at 2000 eighth St. NW in Austin (next to Walmart). It’s another chance for MCHS dogs to take a field trip and greet the public.

The CRC event will include prize drawings and games such as Plinko and a rubber duck pond. A live grooming demonstration will be provided by “Pawsh Styling,” a local business. The Austin police department K9 unit will be giving a demonstration. Another local business, “The Doo Crew” will also be attending. Hotdogs, chips, and water will also be available. Sounds like a lot of fun!

It’s official! The MCHS will once again be participating in the local flea market/rummage sale at the Mower County fairgrounds. This year’s sale is scheduled for June 13 through June 15. MCHS volunteers will collect donations for the sale from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, and Thursday, June 12. Donations must be dropped off at the fairgrounds during these hours, not at the MCHS facility. As in years past, the MCHS will not accept clothing, large appliances, electronics, large pieces of furniture, and encyclopedias (yes, they still exist).

As always, the MCHS is thankful for donations in memory of Sam Strecker, Raymond P. Wolf, Harvey Fiala, Ethel Corbin, and “Creed & Ziggy” Rush.