S.O.S. Animal Shelter fundraisers help meet needs

With the feeding and care of 57 animals, the S.O.S. Animal Shelter depends entirely on fundraisers, individuals and business donations.
S.O.S. Manager Marie Guenther said the no-kill shelter currently houses 35 dogs and 22 cats and each day, the care and cleaning supplies for the animals seem to rise.

“We really need on a daily basis Clorox and food for the animals, but we have to have certain kinds of dog food,” she explained. “Also, with 22 cats right now, and we had have a lot more, we need to feed them and care for their basic needs.”

Each animal at the shelter is neutered or spayed before it goes to a new home. The animals, Guenther said, are also cared for medically and checked by area veterinarians.

“We depend so much on our vets and the care they provide for the animals to get them in good shape for adoption,” Guenther said. “We also depend so much on people who come by each week and donate food and cleaning items for us. Without the help of the community, we wouldn’t have a no-kill shelter.”

Guenther encourages food donations of Purina Dog chow, Purina Puppy Chow, Purina Lamb & Rice or Pedigree small chunks.

“We try to feed the dogs the same food each day and when people adopt the animals, we give them a list of what types of food and supplies they will need for their new dog and cat,” she said.

Guenther said the shelter encourages would-be adoptees of the animals to read books before venturing out to adopt a dog.

“We recommend people read “The Art of Raising a Puppy,” or “How to be Your Dog’s Best Friend.” Both books are written by the Monks of New Skeet, who breed, raise and train German Shepherds to raise money for their monastery. They also correct ‘problem behavior.’ The training used at the shelter is based on these two books.”

For cats, recommended reading includes “Is Your Cat Crazy?” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “PetSpeak.”

To assist with the everyday and monthly expenses of the shelter, volunteers come in to help with cleaning, walking the dogs or some, like volunteer Vicki Taylor, come just for hugs.

“My husband and I lost our home in Katrina and we came to stay with my brother in this area a few years ago,” she said. “I have two dogs of my own and I wanted to volunteer by coming by and just spending time with the dogs and give them plenty of love,” she said.

For the shelter, Guenther said volunteers are “always needed. We have plenty of things to do for everyone and we do appreciate the help of everyone who helps make the shelter possible.”

Fundraisers also provide monies to operate S.O.S. The first of the fall fundraisers is Saturday, Oct. 25 for the annual Nutts About Mutts,
beginning with registration at 8 a.m. and events begin at 9. An entry fee of $10 covers all of the canine contests of the fun events ranging from best costume, best catcher, highest jumper and more.

Another S.O.S. fundraiser is planned for Saturday, Nov. 8, for an Adopt-A-Thon from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the WalMart parking lot.

“We take many of our dogs who are up for adoption out to WalMart,” Guenther said. “We actually bring them to the people with all of their shots, spayed and neutered and their ready to go to a good home. I hope people will consider a shelter dog first because we have so many great breeds.”