By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

Being involved in animal rescue is like a roller coaster with ups and downs. Sometimes things go well and sometimes, it feels like an uphill battle.

Volunteers often go home thinking, “I don’t know how much longer I can do this.” Then they get up the next morning and do it all over again.

There are sleepless nights and exhausting days. Moments of panic and near hopelessness can be coupled with frustration and anger. There are also moments of incredible happiness that truly define rescue and strengthen the dedication of the volunteers involved in it. The MCHS recently experienced one such moment.

Dusty, a 13-year-old pomeranian/poodle mix came to the shelter from the city pound after his elderly owner died. A little research revealed that he had been undergoing chemotherapy at the time of his owner’s death. There were no family members left who were able to take him. The little guy was lost without the one person to whom he was devoted.

Volunteers fell in love with him immediately, in spite of his rather disheveled appearance. His eyes said that he still had a little living left to do. What could be done in a shelter environment with a dog who had a limited life expectancy?

Dusty was in remission but had an uncertain future. He needed someone willing to give him a home for whatever amount of time he had left.

Within hours of seeing his story on social media, a local couple offered to foster Dusty. The woman is a hospice nurse and Dusty is crazy about her husband. Yes, it is a hospice situation, but they don’t dwell on that. For them, it’s all about loving a little old dog and giving him the quality of life that he deserves.

Spay/neuter clinic

The MCHS is sponsoring a feline spay/neuter clinic at Austin Veterinary Clinic (AVC) for Mower County residents only. The cost of a spay is $50 and a neuter is $40. Vaccinations can be done for $10 each. The clinic will run from Feb. 21 to March 31. Appointments will be taken until the clinic is full, by calling 507-433-5225 (AVC).

Annual auction

The annual Pasta Dinner and Silent/Live Auction is on Feb. 26 at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom in Austin.

The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the MCHS, Double K Specialty, and the Holiday Inn. Presale prices are $10 for adults and $4 for kids that are eight years and under. Prices at the door are $12 for adults and $5 for kids 8 years and under.

The auction items are awesome. There are many wonderful gift baskets, a self propelling lawn mower, a kayak, autographed Twins and Vikings memorabilia, and a 50-inch TV set up. There are bikes, antiques, and more.

As always, the MCHS is grateful for donations in memory of Terry Garness, Charles Rector, Marion Tangren, Milo Sorenson, “Ruby” Manemann, “Fritz” Weber, Donald E. Larick, and “Ryker” Gunter.