Published: August 22, 2008 07:33 pm            

Shelter outlines needs

Humane Society says items will help immediately

The cupboard is getting bare at the Henderson County Humane Society and some late summer donations are needed.

Humane Society President Brenda House said the shelter has been overrun with animals in the past few months. That has put a drain on food supplies and cleaning materials. Add to that the fact the dryer — taxed by many heavy loads of rugs and bedding — broke. The shelter replaced the dryer for about $300, but is looking for a more permanent solution.

“The dryer went out about a month ago,” House said. “Basic appliances can’t take the load. That’s why we’ve started a campaign to buy a light commercial system.”

House said the shelter runs about seven loads of wash a day. The number is greater in the winter because not as much bedding is required in warm weather.

“If the bedding gets dirty, it’s changed out every single day,” House said.

House said the washer/dryer unit, similar to one at the animal shelter in Tyler, will cost about $10,000.

“Apparently these last really well and have a great warranty,” House said.

Another benefit will be the reduction of labor that it takes to constantly run loads of laundry.

A gift of $2,000 got the shelter on the way to raising the money needed for the new unit. The total is now up to about $2,500.

As for the basic needs, House said she’s confident the public will pitch in again, as it has in the past.

“We need things like bleach, old towels and paper towels,” House said. “We go through thousands of paper towels.”

Years of experience has taught shelter workers that specific brands work better for some of the needed items.

“One reason we put brands name on the list is for example, the Libby’s Vienna Sausages are used to give medication because the dogs literally won’t eat any other kind,” House said.

High-quality kitten and puppy food is needed because other brands can cause stomach problems. For adult dogs, Pedigree and other brands that do not have dyes are healthier for the animal.

“We don’t go with the most expensive food, but we always try to go with a high-quality food just because of the problems it solves,” House said.

The full list of needs includes: bleach, liquid laundry detergent, paper towels, dish soap (no anti-bacterial soap), cat litter, kitten food (Kitten Chow and Special Kitty), Vienna Sausages (Libby’s), canned ground cat food, old towels, 12-gallon kitchen trash bags, large trash bags, stuffed animals (no Beanie Babies) and toys.

House said the Humane Society board will meet Monday, and many changes are in the planning stage that will help upgrade the shelter and will benefit the public. She said more information will be available once the plans are finalized.

        

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