The Mower County Humane Society, along with a lot of friends, raised about $23,400 — some $10,000 more than last year, organizers say — through its 21st annual Walk for the Animals at Mill Pond Park on Sunday, Sept. 10. It’s one of two major fundraisers the shelter holds each year.

The weather was sunny, bringing out about 50 pet owners. One of the highlights included a demonstration by Austin Police Department K-9 Rudy, and his handler, Officer Derek Ellis.

The fundraiser is important to the no-kill shelter, that relies on volunteers and donations to operate. Currently, the shelter has about 138 cats and 28 dogs.

All the funds raised from the walk go toward payment of veterinary bills, which includes treatiments, shots, spaying and neutering. Adoption fees are $50 for cats and $125 for dogs.

Austin Police Officer Derek Ellis and his partner, K-9 Rudy, offer up a skills demonstration at the Walk for the Animals fundraiser, for the Mower County Humane Society. Photo provided by Janae Hackensmith

Volunteers reminded pet owners of the upcoming spay/neutering clinic on Nov. 10 at the Mower County Humane Society, 101 22nd St. SE.

The next visit from the MNSNAP will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at the Mower County Humane Society. In order to participate, the owner of the cat or dog must have an income less than $45,000 if single, or $60,000 if married.

The cost for a cat neutering is $40, for a cat spaying is $50.

The cost for a dog neutering or spaying is $50 if the animal weighs less than 50 pounds. If the dog is over 50 pounds the cost is $70.

This group also offers shots for $10 each for anyone who has their pet spayed/neutered.

To sign up, go to MNSNAP.org.