The Greene County Humane Society is funded solely by donations. What better time of year to show support for the Humane Society than during the holidays? Jane Gapen, Executive Director of the Humane Society, offers some helpful information on how the community can support the Humane Society.
Now that we have entered the holiday season, the Humane Society is offering their yearly lottery calendar. The lottery calendar is the biggest fundraiser of the year, and a fun way to support the Humane Society. Every day offers a chance to win money! Every calendar has a three-digit number assigned to it and if your number is picked during the evening Pennsylvania Daily Number you will receive the amount of money assigned for that day. Prizes are mailed by check. Calendars can be purchased for $30 and are available to purchase online at www.greenepet.org or by calling 724-627-9988. Calendars can be picked up from the Humane Society or shipped, so this can also be a great gift for an out-of-town friend. It also makes a great gift for the impossible-to-shop-for friend.
Another fun opportunity in December is Pet Photos with Santa. On December 9 from noon to three pm, people brought any and all types of pets to have their photos taken with Santa. There was no cost for the photo, but the society collects donations. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Greene County.
There are also other ways to support the Humane Society. This year, there are more dogs than usual at the Greene County Humane Society. Because of this, and other reasons, the Humane Society would very much benefit from donations of pet food. According to veterinarians, it is important for an animal’s health to keep them on a steady diet of the same type of food. Both cats and dogs at the Greene County Humane Society enjoy a diet of Purina and Pedigree dry or canned foods. While the Humane Society welcomes donations of any kind of food, the absolute best you could provide would be Purina or Pedigree so the animals can maintain their optimal health. If you are interested in donating food or other supplies, donations can be dropped off at the Humane Society twenty-four hours a day. They have a drop off box available and welcome donations of food, treats, cat litter, toys, and cleaning supplies.
Are you considering adding a pet to the family this holiday season? Do you have questions about whether they would be a good fit in your household? The Greene County Humane Society can help you find the perfect pet! There is a bit of “matchmaking” involved with finding your perfect pet. First, you need to know that you are ready for the responsibility and long-term commitment of having a pet. Then, the Humane Society can steer you towards pets that are the right fit for your environment and personality.
If you currently have pets and are concerned about whether they would get along with a new addition, you can arrange a meet and greet with your potential pet. During the meet and greet, you can bring your current dog to the Humane Society to meet the pet you are interested in to see if they get along. But keep in mind that there is always an adjustment period.
When you bring a new cat or kitten home, Jane advises that you keep the new cat in a separate room for a week to allow the pets to become acclimated. Ultimately, if you bring a new pet home and are unable to keep them, the Humane Society will take them back.
Pet adoptions during the holidays can be a wonderful choice. In the past, it has always been advised against adopting pets during the holidays. But Jane says because of their stringent application policy that most pets are likely to go to forever homes regardless of the time of year they are adopted. But Jane does offer some advice for those who chose to adopt during the holidays: Do not hesitate to leave the pet at the Humane Society and wait to bring them home after the holidays. If you have a pet in your home during the holidays, you need to take extra precautions. Strangers in the house can be scary for pets, especially when they’ve already been placed in a new situation. You need to be diligent and aware of what your pets are being fed. The wrong type of food, or bone, could wind up with everyone at an emergency vet – a scary and costly experience for both you and your pet. In addition, be careful that your Christmas decorations are not potentially dangerous. Also, research plants that are in the home; mistletoe and poinsettias can prove dangerous.
If you are interested in adopting a pet, the adoption fees are the same anytime of year. All cats and dogs from the Humane Society will be spayed, blood tested, vaccinated, wormed, and given flea medication before being adopted. Dogs are also given a flu vaccination. Cats can be adopted for a fee of $75 and dog adoption fees are $125. It is a small amount of money to spend for a new best friend and the chance to give a lonely pet a new chance at life.
The holiday season is a great time of year to reflect on our own blessings and find ways to help others. There are many ways you can support the Greene County Humane Society. Any way that you choose to help is always appreciated. Jane says she cannot thank people enough for their help. She is, “blown away by the kindness and donations,” and says the Humane Society, “wouldn’t be here without you.”
