I know most everyone has seen the ads on TV for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States. It just breaks your heart to see these poor animal’s sad faces and eyes. I can hardly watch them myself. I know these ads are not false or faked because I have actually seen this suffering and neglect. I am a member and a volunteer for the Freeborn County Humane Society, and I know that these pictures and stories are true from my experiences at our Humane Society right here in Freeborn County.

These commercials are sponsored by the national humane societies and organizations, and our local shelters or humane societies do not get any of this money that is donated from these ads. These organizations have a lot of people that are being compensated with the donations that are being sent in to them to” help the animals.” And I used to donate to them myself.

Don’t get me wrong; they do a lot of good. But being a volunteer at the shelter, I have not seen any of the money come to our shelter from any of these organizations. So I figured, why not start giving my donations locally, to my own county or city Humane Society, who so desperately needs the help and support from their local communities? The only paid employee that the Freeborn County Humane Society has is our director. Everyone else is a volunteer. Everyone at the Humane Society works together out of the love for the animals. Their cages are cleaned daily, and they are checked out by the vets and given medical attention if it is needed. They are given love and attention by the volunteers who come in to socialize them. This is all done because these people love animals.

Our local shelter has not benefited in any monetary help from these national organizations. All of our money comes from the wonderful people who send us donations and Freeborn County, and the people of Albert Lea have been so kind. Just look at the beautiful shelter that has been built because of their generosity. But there is still much that needs to be done. Cages are needed for the cats, and there is a never ending need for medical attention for the animals. This is our biggest expenditure. Also, our building is now more than twice the size it was and so the increase in heat and electricity has also added to the running of the shelter. So there is still a great need for the public’s help.

So, if you are someone who regularly donates to the national organizations, please reconsider and start sending your donations to the local shelters where you can actually see what is being done with your contributions. Or become a member or a volunteer!

Our contact information is 507-377-8501 or email us at hs_of_fc@hotmail.com.

Thank you so much to everyone for what you have done for the Freeborn County Humane Society.

 

Christy Forman

Albert Lea