SEK Humane Society celebrates 35 years

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Southeast Kansas residents are invited to celebrate the help that has been given to some of Kansas' most defenseless creatures.

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 at the Southeast Kansas Humane Society of Crawford County, two and one-fourth miles west of 20th Street and the By-pass in Pittsburg, Kan., residents from the Southeast Kansas area are invited to help the SEK Humane Society celebrate its 35th year anniversary.

According to a Humane Society press release, the humane society, which began its operation in 1973, provides shelter to homeless and abused animals. In addition, it operates a progressive animal adoption program and investigates abuse cases. According to SEK Humane Society employee Cheryl Mayo, although the animal shelter has housed only a few animals from Bourbon County due to overcrowding, many Bourbon County residents frequent the establishment in order to adopt animals. The SEK Humane Society Web site, www.sekhs.org, said the shelter is quite often at its capacity.

"The shelter is usually at capacity with approximately 90 dogs and 30 cats awaiting homes," the shelter's Web site said.

In addition to taking in animals throughout Southeastern Kansas, Mayo said members of the SEK Humane Society traveled to New Orleans, La. in 2005 during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help rescue many dogs and cats. Mayo said all of the dogs and cats that the Pittsburg based shelter rescued in New Orleans, have all either been reunited with their families or adopted to new families with one exception. One cat remains at the shelter as the shelter's mascot, Mayo said.

The humane society's staff, which are primarily volunteers, provide services for about 1,500 animals per year, according to a humane society press release. Various animal welfare services are offered to animals in Southeast Kansas through the Society, Mayo said. The Society not only provides help for animals who have been abandoned, but it also offers help to animals who still reside with their owners, Mayo said.

"Sometimes we provide animal food for people in the community who are struggling (financially)," Mayo said.

In addition, Mayo said the Society sometimes offers vouchers that will help animal owners get their animals spayed or neutered. At the anniversary celebration on Sunday, event attendees will be able to tour the Pawprints on the Heartland van, which provides spay and neuter surgery at a low and affordable price. Although Pawprints on the Heartland is not operated by the Humane Society, it is a sister organization to the shelter, Mayo said.

According to the press release, the animal shelter is a non-profit organization, which operates on donations. Currently, the Society is conducting a special fundraising event called "35 for 35." The fundraiser encourages anyone interested in helping the shelter to donate items in increments of 35. Whether a person donates $35, $350, 35 pounds of pet food or 35 pounds of cat litter, every gift is appreciated, Mayo said. A complete list of items needed to continue operating the shelter can be accessed on the shelter's Web site. Another way the Humane Society raises enough funds to help thousands of dogs and cats in Southeast Kansas is by operating the Doggie Bag Resale Shop, which is a thrift store operated by Humane Society volunteers, Mayo said.

According to Mayo, the shelter would not be able to survive without the help of its many volunteers. Adding that volunteers are always needed to help walk dogs; complete clerical work; complete ground and maintenance work; take photos; pick up donation cans; and provide foster homes, in addition to many other activities. Anyone wishing to volunteer should call (620)231-2233.

Lending his support to the Society, KOAM-TV anchor Dowe Quick will be on hand to host Sunday's event. Also at the celebration, several animal related businesses will be presenting products and services to the general public. The SEK Humane Society will be handing out grilled hot dogs and drinks to event attendees.