Though Mower County Humane Society volunteers aren’t done counting, it appears the local humane society brought in at least $6,000 to $7,000, the same as last year, from its annual pasta dinner fundraiser last weekend.

MCHS volunteer Kelly Rush said the humane society will use half of that money to defray costs for an upcoming spay and neuter clinic in March. The humane society will run a month-long promotion with Austin Vet Clinic to offer a $20 neuter for male cats and a $40 spay for females. The promotion is limited to 175 cats.

The other half of the money will go to pay vet bills for incoming animals, which includes up-to-date shots and spays or neuters.

“The fundraiser has been a blessing,” Rush said.

The humane society will soon be busy, as contractors wrap up major work on the new MCHS animal shelter by the end of the month. Once final touches are finished, MCHS volunteers will move animals over to the new shelter in April, Rush said.