Event offers chance to learn more about dogs, support shelter

A story on the wire caught our eye this morning, about how a Nebraska breeder had "donated" 26 small dogs to the Grand Island animal shelter.

How generous!

Despite the questionable wording, turning the dogs over to the shelter was certainly preferable to actions taken by other mysterious breeders, who have chosen to dump dozens of small dogs in the Southwest Nebraska countryside a couple of times in the past few years.

The Grand Island Independent reported that the animals seemed to be socialized and in relatively good health, unlike many in large "puppy mills."

Thirteen of the animals -- Shih Tuzus, schnauzers, dachshunds and Yorkshire terriers -- were sent to a Hastings animal shelter.

It's not unusual for pets abandoned or surrendered in other communities to wind up in McCook as well.

You can find out more about taking care of a dog, whether you own one or not, while supporting the McCook Humane Society at the second annual "Dog Day in the Park" from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday in the Kelley Park upper shelter house near the swimming pool north of the McCook Community College campus.

Boy Scout Troop 147 will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and activities will include carnival games for pets and people, information on arthritis and laser treatments and waterless shampoo.

It sounds like a good time for pets and their people.