The “Raise the Woof” evening for the Weyburn Humane Society is being considered a huge success, with just under $15,000 raised for a new animal shelter.
“We had less people at the event this year, but that was because we had arranged the tables so that everyone had more room,” said Pam Arndt-Schick, president of the Weyburn Humane Society.
The headliner was comedians Lamont Ferguson, Travis Nelson and Adam Lejewski. “It was a very good event, everyone enjoyed the comedians throughout the evening.”
The “Raise the Woof” fundraiser helps the Weyburn Humane Society support the goal of building a new animal shelter.
Arndt-Schick said that they are still in the beginning stages for their new shelter, and are currently looking for land. “We have a few leads.”
The current animal shelter, located at 57 16th Street by the Fire Station, has limited space for the Humane Society.
Right now, the Humane Society is overcapacity with cats. “We are currently offering a cat sale, where people could adopt a cat from us for $45,” said Arndt-Schick.
Anyone who wants to adopt an animal from the Humane Society just needs to fill out an adoption form. Their application will be reviewed, taking into consideration all the provided information to ensure that the right ‘fur’-ever home is found for each animal.
It is especially important that adoption is considered a life-long commitment.
One of the concerns with the overcrowded situation is that it could lead to an increase of sickness among their cat population.
“When you have a lot of animals in tight spaces, there is always a chance for diseases to spread too,” said Arndt-Schick.
It is typical for the cat population to increase at the Humane Society during this time of year, because of the cold weather.
There are other ways to help the Humane Society, for those residents who are unable to adopt an animal. One way is to become a member of the Weyburn Humane Society.
Their annual general meeting will be held in January, so they are accepting new member applications for the 2016 year right now. Membership applications can be picked up from the Weyburn Humane Society, or downloaded online from their website.
Volunteering is another way to help the Humane Society. Volunteers are called upon to assist in special fundraising events, or during times when a Foster Home is required.
There are regulations and forms available for different age groups. The information can be found online at the Weyburn Humane Society website, as can the application forms.
Donations are also appreciated. For those that want to donate goods, Arndt-Schick said the Humane Society can always use: washing cloths, raw hide, cat treats, ‘Yesterday News’ cat litter, or gift cards for gas.
“We have amazing and wonderful support from many businesses in the community,” added Arndt-Schick. One valued business is Pet Valu, who often collects donation items or funds, or hosts fundraising events at their store.
Also, an adoptable cat from the Humane Society is displayed at Pet Valu.
The Humane Society also has a good partnership with the Prairie Animal Health Centre, to ensure that adopted animals get sprayed or neutered. The Prairie Animal Health Centre also helps micro-chip adopted animals, so they are easier to track.
Recently, the Humane Society also received a generous donation from Kal Tire Weyburn.
