Humane Society staying afloat after donations

PORT CLINTON – After financial struggles nearly forced the closure of the Ottawa County Humane Society, executive director Pat Cerny said all past due veterinarian and utility bills are paid.

With the help of thousands of dollars of donations, Cerny said the office will not be shutting down.

“(The donations) help us unbury ourselves. We have no hanging bills,” Cerny said.

Cerny said as a nonprofit organization, the office is never out of the woods with bills and vet expenses constantly coming in. It relies on donations each month for dog food and utilities.

Operating the Humane Society can be expensive. Each month, Cerny said operating the building costs $6,000, and that does not include unexpected vet visits.

Donations can still be made, Cerny said, and all donations are tax deductible.

Cerny said there are fewer workers at the office and they all are trying to find ways to get the most out of the money they receive by donating more time at the shelter and turning lights off in the rooms when they are not in use.

As the weather warms up, the Humane Society will be involved with several fundraisers, including Bark until Dark at the dog park in Danbury Township. There will be prizes awarded for dogs in several categories such as talent and best in show.

While fundraising continues to increase for the Humane Society, adoption also has seen a spike during the winter, with 100 cats finding homes since last year.

“Winter was not dead in here. People are really happy with us. I guess people love animals,” Cerny said.

Cerney said March has been the busiest time in recent memory, with 14 dogs and 11 cats finding new homes.

cshoup@gannett.com

419-734-7504

Twitter: CraigShoupNH