Compassion, determination hallmarks of McCook Humane Society for 30 years

The Cat Pack presented a check for $1,316.10 to shelter acting director Lorie Prestes, right; Cat Pack members at the reception were, from left, Kalie Jebens, Chloe Dixon, Deanne Crocker, Madison Crocker and Sarah Dixon. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Puppies and kittens. Dogs and cats. There's never a shortage of 'em.

And thanks to the McCook Humane Society and its shelter, there's never a shortage of compassion and determination to find homes for all of them.

For 30 years, the humane society's board of directors and the shelter's staff and volunteers have worked to build a shelter and a reputation of working to save as many animals as possible.

During a reception to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the McCook Humane Society, Sarah Dixon, a member of "The Cat Pack" volunteer group that supports the society and its shelter, offers a pet-decor magnet to shelter volunteers Ivan and Pat Schmid. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette)

Thirty years ago, animal advocates moved lost and abandoned dogs and cats into a new bare-bones shelter in the 100 block of South Street, and they have remodeled, enhanced and expanded since.

When Lorie Prestes -- a vet tech for 25 years -- started as shelter director in 2006, she initiated what she calls "an extremely low-kill shelter philosophy. We work so well with rescues and adoptions, that we don't have to euthanize for space."

While the shelter's primary mission is to return lost animals to their rightful owners and to find forever homes for those needing them, it also advocates spaying and neutering to help reduce the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. The huge number of litters of puppies and kittens has decreased through the years. "We still get them," shelter volunteer Marilyn Cuellar said. "Just not like we used to."

What does the future hold for the McCook Humane Society and animal shelter?

Marilyn and fellow volunteer Charlene Arterburn like that the attitude toward dogs and cats has evolved. It used to be, they agreed, that in many situations, dogs were for chasing strangers away and cats were for keeping the mice down. "Now," Marilyn said, "pets are part of the family."

And the best ones, they are certain, come from shelters.

At the McCook shelter, adoption rates have increased, as have the expenses to keep the animals comfortable. "We just keep pluggin' along," Marilyn said. "We know we won't run out of animals."

To celebrate its first 30 years, the humane society hosted a reception Saturday, Nov. 30, during which it recognized the efforts of individuals and businesses that have supported its mission to provide temporary shelter for lost and abandoned animals and to find forever homes for the others.

Board chairman Anne Dowd said the shelter could not possibly survive without its volunteers. "Our stability and growth has so much to do with our volunteers and the communities in which we live," Dowd said. "We have the best volunteers around. They stick with us in the cold and the heat. These certificates represent our heartfelt thanks from us to you."

In support of the humane society's and shelter's mission, certificates of appreciation were presented to:

Marv and Dixie Lorenz, Ivan Schmid, Dr. Wayne Watkins and the Red Willow Animal Clinic, the McCook Gazette and Connie Jo Discoe, Mary Keslin and the Kugler Company and Kugler family.

Pet Pros and Pam Gaston, Leigh Farrell and Farrell's Pharmacy, Michelle Lytle and Eakes Office Plus, McCook Lettering and Sarah Rippen, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus/Dennis and Kathy Shannon.

Steve Clark and the Republican River Valley Event Center, Sondra Jonson, Ernie Denbo and his daughter, Jordan, Andrea O'Dea, Kyle Conroy.

Joyce Stupka, Miranda Wesch, Amy Strauch, Merita Larson, McCook WalMart SuperCenter, The Paw Wash and Gail Lenhart, Four Winds Animal Clinic, Rich Barnett and High Plains Radio, Joe and Ranae Williams, Pat Weskamp and Fenella Flaherty.

Anne concluded, "We don't know how to express our thanks. You never tell us 'no'."

Lorie focused her attention on the board of directors. "People don't see all the planning that goes on in the background," she said, thanking the members of the board: Anne Dowd, Marilyn Cuellar, Mary Keslin, Connie Padgett, Levina Fritsche, Kathy Hettinger and Joyce Peterson.

The humane society's and shelter's premier volunteer is "The Cat Pack," a group of McCook teenage girls whose mission is to support the shelter and promote adoption. In 2009, the Cat Pack -- which started with sisters, Chloe and Sarah Dixon, the daughters of Linda and Kirk Dixon -- "adopted" the shelter. Chloe, Sarah and their friends socialize pets, publicize the joys of adoption and raise money for the shelter.

The girls' first lemonade stand raised $9.81; a fund-raising calendar for 2012 raised $2,025. Their latest calendar fund-raising effort has raised $1,316.10 thus far, and they presented a check for that amount to Lorie during the reception.

Chloe is responsible for a comic strip "Super Switch -- The Return of Katnip World," in honor of Super Switch, a family pet rescued from a Kansas farm years ago. Super Switch has weekly adventures chronicled in the McCook Gazette, and frequently reminds readers of the importance of adopting shelter animals.

The Cat Pack told those at the reception, "We are the Cat Pack and we are volunteers. We are making a difference. We thank you for doing the same."

Anyone wanting to share their adoption success stories can e-mail them and photographs to Connie Jo Discoe the Gazette at regionalnews@mccookgazette.com or call her at (308) 345-4500, extension 113, preferably in the mornings.

For more information about the shelter, its history and its adoption policies, go to www.mccookhumanesociety.com