During a shopping trip to Pet Authority, Stephanie Jansen told Mower County Humane Society Director Barry Rush the words many of us want to hear: “Pick out anything you want.”

Jansen, whose husband is Quality Pork Processors CEO Nate Jansen, was representing QPP in giving the MCHS a $1,000 shopping spree at Pet Authority to help with the organization’s needs.

“In lieu of a Season of Gathering, QPP wanted to do a Season of Giving and make charitable contributions around the city and the county,” Jansen said. “I’m very passionate about animals and I thought it would be a great idea to give to the Humane Society and support one of our local businesses that we’re fortunate to have.”

“We want to recognize what an asset we have in the Mower County Humane Society and what they do for our furry friends,” she added.

Rush called the donation “huge.”

“This is a very generous donation,” he said. “We thrive and live on donations; we have no support from the national group or any governmental group. The good people of Mower County are very kind to us, very supporting, and this means a lot.”

The MCHS food bill runs about $2,000 to $3,000 a week, while vet bills run about $7,000 to $8,000 a month, according to Rush.

“We grab on to any of these activities that we can and we are very appreciative of it,” he said.

Pet Authority owner Michelle Nelson expressed gratitude for being a part of QPP’s plan to give to the MCHS.

“I love the holiday times; people are so generous and so giving and they open up their hearts and their wallets to the Human Society,” she said. “I’m so glad we can be a part of it and help out, especially to a charity that is near and dear to my heart.”