By Carey Sharpe

Mower County Humane Society

Happy Holidays from the Mower County Humane Society.

It is our sincere wish that every cat and dog could be home for the holidays. Unfortunately, overpopulation is an endless problem. The MCHS is still beyond full, housing a combined total of more than 150 cats and dogs. There is always a waiting list of animals needing to enter the shelter, too.

Holiday gift giving season presents a unique problem for shelters. People often succumb to the ads offering adorable puppies and kittens “just in time for Christmas.”

Giving a dog or a cat as a holiday present can be very tempting, but it’s not a good idea. Many of these pets are impulse purchases. The harsh reality of pet ownership hits after the holiday season, when lives return to a normal schedule. The cute kitten or puppy that was such an exciting gift becomes work. It’s no coincidence that shelter populations increase in the weeks following the holidays.

If someone is ready for the true responsibility of pet ownership, then visit a shelter like the MCHS. Shelter volunteers are knowledgeable about the animals in their care. They want to give their animals the best chance at a forever home. This is done by carefully screening potential adopters to make sure a cat or dog will be a good fit. It’s not about profit. It’s about saving lives.

The MCHS is diligent about the importance of spaying and neutering. The shelter again hosted the MN Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP) on Dec. 1. Twelve dogs and 15 cats were spayed and neutered that day.

What exactly is MNSNAP? It’s a nonprofit group that was created in 2010 by a licensed veterinarian and animal advocates. This mobile veterinarian office travels to different locations, performing same day, reduced cost spay and neuter surgeries to income eligible people. A person must earn under $40,000 a year to qualify and must provide proof of eligibility and a valid ID.

Prices for their services are incredible. Dogs are spayed or neutered for $60 ($10 is added for dogs over 50 pounds). Cats are neutered for $40 and spayed for $50. There are also services for feral and barn cats, too. At the time of surgery, vaccinations can be done for $10 and microchipping for $20.

The MCHS will be hosting the group again on Jan. 8, 2015, and March 21. Please go towww.mnsnap.org or call 612-720-8236 for appointment information and eligibility requirements.

The annual Pasta Dinner/Silent Auction is on the way. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn in Austin on Feb. 22, 2015.

The MCHS is grateful for donations honoring “Taz”, Roy Erickson, “Thursday” Kuehne, “Spotty” Waldron, Tom Forstner, Nick Hansen, John P. Gregersen aka Johnny “G”, Bob Toporek, “Cynder” DeWild, “Kaylie” Nutting, Ralph Nelson, Joel Nelson, Lynn McAlister, Dave McConnell, Jerry Jones, Jerry Turner, and “Phoebe” Plath, “Buffy” Groth, Alyssa Ramlo’s birthday, and the marriage of Ryan and Morgan Alexander.