Grant County Humane Society holds fundraiser
Community members create pet toys in order to raise money for local humane society. The Grant County Humane Society is located in Lancaster and has been operating since July 2015.
The newly established Grant County Humane Society hopes to raise money to give their animals their forever homes that they desire.
The Grant County Humane Society hosted a fundraiser event in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Russell Hall on April 5, where community members could come and make toys for cats and dogs from recyclable items. The event was put together by junior biology major Briana Levsen, senior animal science major Beth Pieper and Volunteer Coordinator for the Humane Society Morgan Spitzer. This was one of the Humane Society’s first fundraising events.
Levsen heard about the opportunity in her companion animal’s class, collaborated with Spitzer. Spitzer knowing that Pieper had a love with animals introduced her to the humane society. The three women then searched the internet for safe pet friendly craft projects that they could easily make.
“I wanted to help out as much as possible,” Pieper said. “It is a great place to get experience with animals and it’s also a safe haven for animals that are looking for their forever home.”
Approximately, 25 people showed up to volunteer for the event. Children and adults used materials like plastic bottles, old T-shirts, feathers and felt to make the toys. All the toys went to the animals at the Grant County Humane Society and any monetary donations went towards the operation costs.
“Some kids sewed up some toy mice that were pretty incredible,” said Spitzer.
The Grant County Humane Society has been operating out of the Lancaster Vet Clinic since its establishment in July of 2015. The Clinic started taking in strays in the mid 90’s, and now with the addition of the Humane Society, they take in surrenders. They also provide day care and boarding services.
With the help of funding, the Grant County Humane Society hopes to operate and shelter animals with their own location.
“[sometime] within the next five years,” said Danielle Rufenacht, Kennel Manager at the Humane Society.
At the time of this article’s publication, there is only one dog that is up for adoption.
“Dogs and cats are pretty common animals here. We only have one dog available [for adoption]. Which really is awesome because that means that our animals are getting adopted,” said Pieper.
If students want to volunteer or donate money to the Grant County Humane Society, they are asked to visit the Lancaster vet clinic website at lancastervetclinic.com and click the Grant County Humane Society tab.
