McCook Humane Society guests offer suggestions for Christmas gifts

Monday, December 24, 2012
The Humane Society Paws to Interview were (left to right) Jasper, Jody, Midas, Peanut, and TJ (Thomas Jefferson). All of these hot dogs and cool cats are featured models in 2013 "Cats and Dogs of McCook," calendar. 100 percent of the calendar sale goes to benefit our local animal shelter. (Cindy Jo Garcia/Courtesy photos)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- 'Tis the season for more wagging and less barking

The McCook Humane Society recently listened to some creative ideas to help with last minute holiday and New Year's gift giving for the animal lover in your life.

A number of four-legged furry friends from the McCook Humane Society sat down in an exclusive holiday interview to offer up a number of great gift ideas which can impress the animal lover in your life. Included in the interview were three Jack Russell Terriers (Jasper, Jody, and Midas), a Calico named Peanut, and a Tabby named Thomas Jefferson.

Jasper: Probably the easiest gift to give is your time -- simply stop by the shelter with a friend and volunteer to walk one of our dogs. Walking dogs and socializing the cats who are available for adoption costs nothing more than your time -- but it's a gift which goes a long way to help us - help our strays and abandon cats and dogs. And the experience will reward you with a smile to your face (maybe some licks) and will definitely warm your heart.

Jody: I think if someone wants to do more than volunteer, and they would like others to know they are actively supporting the shelter (a personal paw print), they should come in and "Adopt a Kennel." Their name and/or company logos will be prominently displayed on the kennel they adopt. McCook Humane Society kennels can be adopted for one month, three months, or a whole year.

Midas: Personally I like chewy toys. But my other suggestion is to do as much as you can for as long as you can. And one of the most personal things a person can do is to come in and simply adopt a cat or dog. Finding safe, good and loving homes for our strays is the first priority at our shelter. And when a person adopts, they change a life for sure, but the wild thing is their life is changed too -- it's truly a win win. I like to bark, "Who saved who?"

Peanut: And we do realize not everyone is in a situation to feed another mouth right now. But they may know someone who could adopt and would love to have a new tail wagging kitty licking friend around the house. In this case I suggest purchasing an "Adoption Gift Certificate" from the shelter. An Adoption Gift Certificate allows a friend or family to come in and pick out a cute dog or cat which is purrfect for them -- and know that the adoption fees are already paid for.

Thomas Jefferson (TJ): Last, I need a calendar to stay organized for my favorite times of the year and my vet visits, and I think most other people do too. So I recommend everyone considers buying our 2013 calendar, "The Cats & Dogs of McCook." Buy one for yourself, buy a couple for your family, friends, and even your boss and work associates could get more organized. Each calendar month comes with photos adorable cats and dogs and shares some pawsitive love with a quote for the month to help you stay focused on what's really important in life (like taking more walks and naps during the day).

The calendars can be purchased for $5 each (or a free will donation) and 2013 "A Year at a Glance" calendars are $2 each (or three for $5). 100 percent of all calendar sales directly benefit our local shelter. "2013 The Cats and Dogs of McCook," Calendars can be purchased at the Humane Society at 100 South Street, or at Willow Ridge Senior Living Community.

According to Loree Prestes, "I think what makes each of these presents special is they are gifts from the heart "which keep on giving" because the proceeds from each purchase helps our animal shelter with monthly expenses (i.e. kitty litter, food, medicines, cleaning supplies, adoption advertising, and other needs required to operate our local Humane Society."

"We wish to thank everyone throughout Red Willow County for their generous support over the years and hope you have a Merry Christmas and holiday season full of enthusiastic wags and kitty licks (we all need less barking and scratching)," said Prestes.

The McCook Humane Society is located at: 100 South Street, McCook, NE 69001, and the phone number is: 308 345-2372. The hours of operation are: Monday -- Friday: 2 p.m. -- 5 p.m., and Saturday: noon -- 4 p.m.

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