The number of pets adopted from the Golden Belt Humane Society more than doubled from 2012 to 2013.
Chris Klima, from the GBHS Board of Directors, said the shelter found homes from 174 dogs, puppies, cats and kitten in 2012. Last year, the total number of adoptions was 458.
“I thought these numbers were amazing,” Klima said. “We have come a really long ways and this makes me extremely proud.” She credited the increase to the work of volunteers taking the animals out to meet the public, via the Great Bend Tribune, Facebook, and especially at monthly Adopt-A-Pet fundraisers. These are generally held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Orschlen’s, 5320 10th St. Animals have also been featured at the Barton County Fair and in the Home for the Holidays Parade.
Last Saturday was no exception. The humane society was able to find a home for Kitty, a 6-year-old male cat, even though one volunteer commented that it is open more difficult to find homes for adult animals.
GBHS Director Heather Acheson said a total of four dogs and two cats were adopted at Saturday’s event.
Klima also clarified another volunteer’s statement Saturday that Golden Belt Humane Society would like to become a “no-kill shelter.”
“We have realistically become a ‘LOW-kill shelter,’” she said. “We will never become a ‘NO-kill shelter’ as you are always going to get sick or injured animals that we cannot save or an animal that is vicious or questionable, and those are the animals we have no choice but to euthanize.”
Acheson said the shelter appreciates cash donations for vaccine, heartworm tests, etc., as well as items such as bleach, paper towels, clay cat litter (not the no-clump kind), solid air fresheners and high-energy laundry detergent. A couple of more expensive items on her wish list are a computer and color printer.
The director also reminds everyone who already has pets to “please bring them inside during cold temperatures.”
The Golden Belt Humane Society, located south of Great Bend on U.S. 281, is open for animal viewing from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The telephone number is 620-792-4297.