Baby is one of the Calhoun County Humane Society dogs and is very affectionate with the staff. She is a big girl at her age of 5 and is a mix of a Retriever and a German her Shepherd.
She has a clean tan and black coat with a cute little stubby tail. But she has one more thing.
She has spent most of her life in a humane society.
I have over 50 dogs and cats in my care, some of which are like babies. The goal of the Calhoun County Human Society is to provide comfort to animals while helping them find permanent residence. But society has reached its capacity for dogs and is asking for help in finding volunteers and donations, in addition to those looking to adopt.
“All of our animals come from animal control. Kelly Machichek said. “Our mission is to rescue, inspect and rehabilitate animals and educate communities about the responsibility of keeping animals…Many of these animals have lived here for more than two years and have been socialized. need to do it.”
Unlike local animal shelters, the Calhoun County Humane Society is a non-profit organization. Animals in care are never euthanized and are culled directly from the shelter. Vaccinations, spaying, and microchipping are also performed prior to adoption, all covered by the adoption fee.
“You came here and our animals are being vetted, which means they’ve been treated for all parasites, they’ve been vaccinated against rabies, they’ve been vaccinated for all, like parvo, and they’ve been vaccinated for the final They’re fixed, spayed, neutered, and trying to make sure they’re whole…socializing and playing together so they can be adopted,” Machicek said.
Because of such long-term kenneling, society is looking for volunteers to help interact with dogs over the age of 16. Beyond typical volunteer activities such as cleaning dog beds and towels, packing food, and cleaning up after animals, the association is also looking for people who can walk and spend time with their dogs. are also very welcome.
“We need volunteers. We have clothes, bedding and towels that are dirty because the dog has used the toilet. [our volunteer], leaving around 1 o’clock and being trapped there until the next morning. Machichek said. “Some people can tolerate it, some people can’t. So we need more dog walkers, so an afternoon volunteer would be even better. Like walking with a walker and another dog.” Then the animals really get closer.”
For those who cannot work in a kennel, there is also the option of raising animals at home. This method is favored by society as it helps free another cat or dog from animal control while introducing a domesticated pet into a more open space to interact with humans.
“If you’re interested and hopefully don’t have a dog, fostering may be an option. We feed the animals so that they can be adopted. “Hopefully they can live with them until they are adopted. Being at home and being around people really helps.
One of the reasons socialization is so important is that it helps your pet stay with the family.
“We desperately need volunteers for a lot of things. “There are people here that clean, take care of, and feed each morning for four to six hours each day. is not.”
Of course, donations are always accepted by groups, and food donations are especially welcome. Normally, one bag of 50 lb dog food will only last him three days, according to the association. Treats, toys, dog beds, towels, cat litter, and other animal products are all acceptable. All monetary donations go directly to help animals. They also offer special handmade bowls that hang on the wall of the kennel for those who have donated food for the entire year.
“We need donations for electricity, water, propane, etc., but it’s so cold that they’re gone,” said Machichek. “There is nothing in this building that has not been funded by donations.”
All of these efforts are for the benefit of society’s caring dogs and cats, with the ultimate goal being to find a home for them.
One of the problems society is trying to fix is the perception that older animals are not well liked.
In addition to offering a discount off the regular $100 adoption fee, the association notes that older animals tend to have milder tempers, making them ideal for seniors.
“Often older dogs are mellower. do you want a dog?” said Macychek. “I’ve had a few success stories of an older couple in their 50s to his 60s who wanted their dog to be more relaxed. They sent a picture after 4 or 5 years and got pampered, that dog.” was very spoiled.
Those wishing to volunteer can go directly to the association to apply.
If you would like to make a donation, please contact the association directly. Alternatively, the association also offers a wish list via Amazon.
“Unfortunately, the animal numbers have stabilized. “But people have been so generous in bringing us things…but we really need more volunteers and adopters.”
