By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

The importance of learning to respect and nurture animals is a valuable lesson for children.

It stays with them for life, helping to shape the way they live and treat others. It’s wonderful to experience young people who understand the work done by the Mower County Humane Society. It’s phenomenal when they take it upon themselves to help. The MCHS has been blown away recently, by the generosity of many young people.

Girl Scout Troop 43057 recently organized a donation drive for the MCHS at the I.J. Holton School. The young ladies chose to help the MCHS as part of their bronze award. They collected items for the MCHS and were able to tour the facility and meet some of the cats and dogs. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by both volunteers and residents.

In the past few months, three young people dedicated their birthday parties to the MCHS.

In lieu of receiving presents for themselves, they asked for donations for the animals. Brynn Bastyr, Joseph Darrah and Skye Anderley brought in toys, treats, and food for the cats and dogs. The MCHS is thankful and impressed by their generosity.

Once again, the Southland Middle School students from Adams collected donations for the shelter. They really outdid themselves this year. Volunteers were overwhelmed when the kids delivered the items to the MCHS.

They collected over 800 pounds of cat and dog food and dozens of bottles of laundry detergent and bleach. The shelter is also stocked up on dryer sheets and garbage bags, thanks to these students. In addition to these items, they also collected over 2,000 aluminum cans and over $300 in cash to benefit the shelter.

On May 16, the MCHS once again hosted the MN Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP) at the shelter. In one day, this fantastic group spayed and neutered 14 dogs and 13 cats at a reduced cost for their owners. Thank you to the responsible pet owners who had their animals fixed and vaccinated.

Spaying and neutering is the only sure way to combat overpopulation. Remember, shelters everywhere are overloaded and more puppies and kittens just add to the problem.

The MNSNAP crew will be at the MCHS again on July 24. It is an income eligible program for people making under $40,000 a year. In addition to spaying and neutering, the program also offers low cost vaccinations and microchipping (if a surgery is performed). Please go to www.mnsnap.org for appointment information and eligibility requirements.

The Three Rivers Days Antique/Flea Market will be held at the fairgrounds in Austin from June 13 to 15.

MCHS volunteers will be at the fairgrounds to collect donations from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 10, 11 and 12. Items will not be accepted at the MCHS facility. The shelter will not accept electronics, furniture, clothing, large appliances, and encyclopedias.

As always, the MCHS is thankful for donations in memory of Evely Loucks, “Mocha” Davison, Daisy Lewis, and Joan Block Meyer.