By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In 2023, the Golden Belt Humane Society, in Great Bend, had 876 animals enter their shelter. That number was an increase of 90 from the year before. The non-profit organization, dedicated to animal welfare and providing temporary housing and medical care to unwanted pets, also responded to 152 more animal control calls in 2023 compared to 2022.
With rising expenses, the Humane Society relies heavily on volunteer help from organizations like Adopt-A-Pet. Jean Clair is a member of the Humane Society's Board of Directors and said Adopt-A-Pet tries to assist any way possible.
"The Humane Society needs special equipment, like power washers, that is for the care of the animals," said Clair. "We've bought washers and dryers, freezers and all kinds of stuff at the shelter. We try to stretch our money as far as possible."
Last year, Adopt-A-Pet raised approximately $30,000 to give back to the Golden Belt Humane Society. Along with two main fundraisers, a garage sale in October and a car show in May, Adopt-A-Pet hosts several freewill offering cookouts throughout the year.
You can find ways to directly donate to the Humane Society and the latest Adopt-A-Pet events at goldenbelths.com.