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McCook Humane Society feeling the pinch
As the cost of living continues to rise, the McCook Humane Society is feeling the pinch as well.
General expenses have gone up across the board at the shelter, said Marilyn Cuellar, treasurer, for everything from animal medications to cleaning supplies.
Having to replace a water heater, dryer and freezer during the past year also put a hefty dent in finances, she said. Although proceeds from the recent magic show and raffle sponsored by the Humane Society helped to offset some of the deficit, resources remain low.
The shelter is supported mainly by donations, said Anne Dowd, board president, with only operating costs such as utilities paid by the city. City Manager John Bingham said the shelter saves the city around $75,000 per year for the various services they provide to the city and surrounding areas.
Serving a 90-mile radius in Southwest Nebraska and northwest Kansas, the McCook Humane Society frequently adopts animals to out of town residents, who come from Kearney and Grand Island and even as far west as Denver.
"We are known for our better selection of healthy animals," said Addie Hansen, shelter director.
Thanks to the Internet and the Web site Petfinders.com, prospective owners from virtually anywhere in the U.S. can adopt an animal from the McCook Humane Society.
Hansen cited a registered Australian shepherd, a red Doberman and a basset hound from their shelter who recently found owners from such locations as West Virginia and Ohio.
Surrendered or stray animals brought to the shelter in November numbered 52, which she said is typical for this time of year. But the number jumps to 80 to 100 animals brought in during the summer months, she said.
Currently, the shelter has eight dogs and 40 cats for adoption. There is a $20 adoption fee for cats and $40 for dogs.
Donations or bequeaths of any size are always welcome, Cuellar said, and for $100, a Memorial or Tribute gift is a unique way to celebrate holidays or special occasions. The honoree(s) receive notification of the donation, and the donor's name, along with the person or pet being honored, is engraved on a plaque and placed on the Memorial Board at the Humane Society.
Some items the staff always has a need for at the shelter are kitty litter, paper towels, bleach, dog and cat toys, heavy duty trash bags, six-foot nylon leashes, dog and cat collars and gently used towels and blankets, which are used to bathe the animals and to line their cages.
Stuffed animals are used for the dogs to play with, and milk replacement for puppies and kittens is always appreciated, Dowd said, for the litters who come in without their mothers.
Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 13, McCook Nebraska, 69001, or can be taken directly to the McCook Humane Society at 100 S. Eighth street. Hours are Monday through Friday 2-5 p.m., and Saturdays 12 to 4 p.m.
"Beggars can't be choosers," Dowd said. "We're grateful for whatever we can get."