Some things you can do about the animal problem

We've decried the amount of time law enforcement officers spend dealing with animal problems, but there's something "civilian" residents can do as well.

If you have room in your home and heart for a companion animal, the McCook Humane Society has a deal for you.

The American Humane Association and McCook Humane Society are working to help find homes for homeless dogs during October's Adopt-A-Dog Month.

"The McCook Humane Society has a lot of great dogs just waiting to find permanent, loving homes," said Marilyn Cuellar of the McCook Humane Society. "When you adopt a dog from the Animal Shelter, you're not only saving a life, you're also getting a wonderful companion.

If a pet isn't for you, or if your home already has a full complement of pets, there are still things you can do to help celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month:

* Contribute time, money or supplies to the Animal Shelter's efforts to improve the lives of animals in the McCook area. When donating supplies, call the shelter first to see what is needed.

* Equip all pets with a reliable form of ID such as tags or a microchip. Only about 15 percent of dogs who end up in animal shelters are ever reunited with their families. A reliable ID is their "ticket" home.

* Spay or neuter your dog. There are already too many animals and not enough loving homes to go around.

Visit the McCook Animal Shelter today to meet your new best friend. Call (308) 345-2372 or drive down to the shelter at 100 South St. from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. And visit www.american humane.org, www.mccookhumanesociety.com, www.Pet finder.com or www.pets911.com for more information.