Let's all pitch in to care for, reduce number of, unwanted pets

The Gazette and other local media do what they can to help the McCook Humane Society, but their best efforts are nothing compared to what the community as a whole could accomplish if it were motivated to do so.

A recent feature story helped increase the number of dogs going to new homes, a Humane Society official told us. But it was only a matter of hours before more dogs and cats found their way to the shelter's care, and the facility was full to overflowing again.

It's has "McCook" in its name, but the local shelter serves a wide area of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas.

There's nothing better for your mental well-being than a companion animal's unconditional love, plus there are the physical benefits of exercise that result from taking your dog for a walk.

But pet ownership comes at a price, both in the responsibility of caring for your pet, and the cost of proper veterinary care.

Thankfully, local veterinarians offer special prices for spaying and neutering of animals obtained from the Humane Society, as well as vaccination packages. And, spaying and neutering offer many benefits, besides the obvious reduction of unwanted litters and fewer animals entering shelters. They also reduce problem behaviors such as yowling, fighting, spraying and roaming, lower the risk of certain cancers such as uterine, ovarian and testicular, and translate into a longer life for your pet.

But even if you've done all that, there is still more you can do to help out the needy companion animals of our community during the new year.

Volunteers are always needed to clean cages and dog runs, feed shelter animals, walk the dogs, play with puppies and kittens, leash-train dogs, bathing and brushing, help keep the shelter clean, or perhaps even become a McCook Humane Society board member.

Located at 100 South Street in?McCook, the shelter is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

If there's room in your home and life for a pet, there's probably one that's just right for you waiting at the McCook Humane Society. And even if a pet won't fit your lifestyle, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available.

If we all do what we can to reduce their number, as well as care for the ones that turn up, it will truly be a happy New Year for the unwanted cats and dogs in our community.