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Reannah Rose
Mrs. DeBock
3 November 2016
English 4
Dilemmas Animal Shelters Face
The National Humane Society has endured many obstacles over the past few years.
Whether it may be a structural issue with the shelters, not enough space for the animals, or the
overcrowding of cages for the animals, there will always be a financial setback. The shelters
have put together a long line of donations to make the animals lives better.
As mentioned before, the Humane Society has experienced many issues, one of them
being structural. The Logan County animal shelter is under investigation, after many complaints
have been reported (Cooper). Former director of the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane
Society, Lorri Hare, and two other professionals have investigated the facility and has deemed it
unsalvageable (Cooper). Due to their complaints they made the critical decision to bring this
problem to the court; After confiding in a specialist, Craig McAllester, the shelter had realized
that they were in a bigger situation than they originally thought (Cooper).While Hare attended
the court meeting she brought along David Bernado, a construction manager of Raffertys in
Bowling Green, to have the court hear what he has to say (Cooper). Bernado stated his opinion
on how he believes that fixing the problems the facility has, will not be cost effective, it would
almost be better to tear down the facility and rebuild another (Cooper). Hare, however, feels that
she could raise the money to fix the problem, she stated that, "If I had to give a number it would
probably be between $400,000-$500,000. At the end of the meeting, the court listened to their
issues and granted Hare the ability to raise the money, she however has to report back to the

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court with how much money she raises (Cooper). Fortunately, the shelter has fixed small
problems here and there, and are continuing to do so until they have reached their goal of a safe
facility. Thus, whether the donations be deemed big or small, every donation helps.
Shelters all around the world do their best to make the atmosphere a safe, and fun place
for everyone, especially the animals. Allen County, home to many animals and hard working
employees announced that they were in a great financial need to keep the animal shelter up and
running. Cat Kouns Born, board president said the shelter has many problems that need to be
fixed, the cost of repairs is outrageous and the society however does not have enough money to
pay for it, let along pay for the six employees that they have working (Doran). With that being
said Born, and executive director Tracy Tibbitts went to the mayors new conference in regards
of money and volunteers to help the Humane Society (Doran). Born stated that Basically we're
here with our hat in our hand, and saying that we need your help to save the shelter, we need
your help to keep a 'woof' over the animals' heads and we need you to support our upcoming
events." The facility is still looking for donations from the media, a membership committee to
help membership, a grant committee, a finance committee, and a fundraising and special projects
committee (Doran). Although there are many problems that need great attention, the shelter can
conclude that they are doing the best they possibly can to keeping the house of many animals up
and running. Nevertheless, the shelter proved what it was like to be desperate for money, and
what it took to move out from the poverty they were in.
Walking down the halls of an elementary school, junior high, or even high school with an
animal will almost melt every childs heart; Especially the ones at Stillwater high school.
Stillwater high school donated $106,667.58 to the Stillwater Humane Society (Eagleton). The
students from Stillwater high school are allowing this money to go towards their building, and

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potentially build more spacious kennels for the animals as well (Eagleton). Many students
volunteer at the humane society, making it a easier to raise money due to the fact that the
organization is so close to them (Eagleton). The Stillwater Humane Society is not connected to
the National Humane Society, which then allows the money to stay in Stillwater (Eagleton).
Students got very creative with raising the money, they hosted Mangeant, which is where male
students compete for the title of Mr. SHS, along with BBQs, bingo, talent shows, dance-a-thon,
and a carnival (Eagleton). The students themselves have said that raising money for the Humane
Society was one of the most exciting things they get to do every year (Eagleton).Due to the
money that was raised the Humane Society was able to expand their kennels and still continues
to fix their buildings (Eagleton). Thus, donating money can become something that is fun, and
creative, while helping for a good cause.
Linked donations is another great way that help the animal shelters, for instance
Egnwalls flower shop is giving the first 500 people that stop by six beautiful roses for free when
they make a gracious donations (Egnwall). While doing that, the shop is hoping for their
customers to tell their friends, and family, in order to make this a linked donation (Egnwall). The
owner stated that, This is a great opportunity pay it forward as we're encouraging those that
receive the roses to keep one for themselves and give the other five away to friends, family,
neighbors, co-workers or anyone needing a smile (Egnwall). Doing so, the flower shop
continues to tell its customers that no donation is too big or too small. The flower shop is
donating money for the Douglas Humane Society that was founded in 1975, so it is important to
them and their community to help the shelter get in better shape (Egnwall). All in all, the owner
from the flower shop feels as though they will make enough money to help the shelter stay open,
and give animals the proper care (Egnwall). This not only shows a community coming together,

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but this also shows the importance of donating for an organization, whether it be a dollar bill, or
a twenty dollar bill.
With the donations being down for awhile it seems to hurt organizations that are not
entirely as wealthy as they should be. For example, Knox County Humane Society is going
through a hard time, trying to provide the best care they possibly can with the money they have
(Petter). In order to come up with the money they need, they will be hosting a spring themed
event that will hopefully inspire people to come out and donate (Peter). Smith, a member from
the Knox County Humane Society stated that donations have been down the last few months,
which means the facility has to cut back on what they offer to families, in regards of veterinary
care. Fortunately, the facility is able to continue its twice-a-month spay and neuter clinics,
however those are at high-risk if help is not found for the facility (Peter). Several cats are now up
for adoption downtown, but the society must take care of the cats until they find their homes
(Peter). Due to their donations and hard work they have put in, they are now able to charge
affordable yet effective veterinarian expenses for dog and cat surgeries (Peter). Though, the
shelter was on its way to shutting down, the community came together, which then resulted in a
positive turnout.
The events to help Sebastian county humane society have been eventful and successful.
However, it was not only based on donations, but adoption has been one of their biggest
attractions. Dogs will be put up for adoption for $50, and cats will be up for adoption for $25
(Smith). This event is called the Bark-B-Que, which is set up as a picnic, that is opened to the
public (Smith). One of their events is called the doggie fashion show, which allows dogs to walk
out in front of families in order to find their forever home (Smith). Barton, one of the shelters
employees stated that "It's a fun beauty show where the dogs are all fixed up. Each dog is

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described, and they come down and visit with the public, while we talk about the dog's natural
environment and other things" (Smith). With the events gaining its popularity they are hoping to
fundraise close to $30,000 (Smith). While asking for donations, they not only received money,
but they also received the ability to help the shelters dogs and cats find their new homes, where
they can be loved and healthy.
All in all, shelters all around the country face many problems regarding money. However,
with the help from family, friends, community, and local stores, the shelters are in good hands.
Not only have they overcame their issues, but they also got to experience what it means to work
hard, and sometimes not be successful after working hard. Shelters still try to promote that no
donation is too small or too big. Within the research, people try their best everyday to have a
clean and safe shelter for the animals. Although there are still roads to cross, and bridges to
climb, shelters are on their road to being successful.

Works Cited

Cooper, Chris. "Humane Society asks for help to build $500K facility." News-Democrat and
Leader (Russellville, KY) 11 June 2015: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 24 Oct.
2016.

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Doran, Kelly. "Humane Society of Allen County needs more donations." Lima News, The
(OH) 07 Aug. 2014: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
Eagleton, Merrick. "SMAC donates money to Humane Society." Stillwater
NewsPress (OK) 19 Apr. 2015: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
Engwalls Wolff's offers roses for donations." Telegram, The (Superior, WI) 23 Apr. 2015:
Points of View Reference Center. Web. 27 Oct. 2016.
Peter, Jenny. Vincennes, Sun-Commercial. "Knox County Humane Society Running Short On
Money." AP Regional State Report - Indiana (2014): Points of View Reference Center.
Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
Smith, Scott. "Event To Help Sebastian County Humane Society." Times Record(Fort Smith, AR)
04 Aug. 2015: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 27 Oct. 2016.