Sebastian County Humane Society holds open house

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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The Sebastian County Humane Society held its first Holiday Open House on Sunday. Aside from a few yellow puddles and a cat scratch to vet tech Sara Switzer’s cheek, the event was big success.

"We really want to open our doors and let people come in and see what we’re doing," said Executive Director JoAnn Barton.

In fact, three people were so impressed that they made donations totaling $2,500. Although this may seem like a lot of money, the shelter is always in need of funds to care for the animals. The humane society is a no-kill shelter and only euthanizes animals that are too sick to be cured or those that are not adoptable (for reasons such as severe personality disorders), Barton said.

"The economy has just been rough on us. It’s really been rough and I thought it was going to ease up this year but it’s worse this year than last year. We have more people being evicted; more people turning their pets over to us. It’s really been bad," Barton said.

The shelter has a large population of cats and is running a special through December. Cats older than two are discounted $20 and younger cats are $10 off making the adoption fees $30 and $40, respectively. All are either spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and tested for feline leukemia and FIV.

People attending the two-hour-long event had the opportunity to have their pet photographed with Santa or beside a mock fireplace for $10 with the pictures presented on CD. Rabies shots were $8 and microchip implants were $20 — both a substantial savings over standard veterinary prices.

Human food was donated by the staff and board members and dog goodie bags with toys and treats were given out free of charge. Pet-themed items and pet accessories donated by a local shop, now out of business, were on sale at very reasonable prices.

The money raised from the event will fund shelter operations and pet care needs.