HIAWATHA ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY INC

Oliver, now "Gilbert," a little Tuxedo cat that was rescued in the Spring of 2010. He was so undernourished, sick and bedraggled that we had a hard time determining his age. We are happy to report that he as has now been adopted into a very loving home and delights his new family by his kitten-like antics each day. Gilbert shows his appreciation for his new family with abundant affection and love.

Also pictured is a little Dachshund named Cinnamon. When she came into care, she had many large tumors on her chest. She was immediately given extensive surgery to remove them and was also then spayed. After a lengthy recovery time, we are happy to report that she too, like Gilbert, is now in her "forever" home.

Tiny kittens Chase and Manny were left locked in an abandoned house and Sylvia was left by a pile of trash when her former people moved away. All are now in new loving homes.

The Hiawatha Animal Humane Society has been in existence for over 40 years, but it has only been in the past few years that we have become the place in southeastern Minnesota where abandoned, surrendered and often abused animals can find a group of very dedicated volunteers who will provide medical care and temporary foster homes while new loving families are sought for them.

We get NO government funding. All of our money comes from membership fees, which range from $10.00 per year for a single membership to $100.00 for a lifettime membership, modest adoption fees, several fund raisers a year and donations from other caring organizations and individuals.

In 2009 we took 193 animals into care. In 2010, the number climbed to 220. Often we have from 20 - 30 cats and 5 - 10 dogs awaiting what we hope will be their "forever" homes.

Through the end of September 2011, we have already taken into care 205 animals. Unfortunately, more than ever, a great number of the animals came to us either injured or sick, like the ones described previously, so our veterinary care bills have skyrocketed and our funding has not been able to keep pace. On average, each animal that comes into care costs $75.00 - $80.00 MORE than can be recovered in adoption fees. We keep accepting them, because we do not want to turn away animals in need. We know that we are their best chance for a happy future.

We also offer our (free) "Pets for Military Vets" and our free "Seniors for Seniors" programs to qualifying individuals who will benefit from the companionship of a pet. We are also happy to aid private parties who need help advertising their pets for re-homing, rather than surrendering them.

Our website tells more about us. We always need help....for folks willing to foster, for people who have supplies to donate, for those who make cash contributions and those wonderful families who make room in their homes for our very special animals.

Please consider helping us! You can be assured that your donated dollars go directly to the care of the animals. And to helping them find a new, happy life!