Amanda Rink, Editor
The Humane Society of Wright County continues to make progress in its mission to care for animals and connect them with loving homes. Board member Larissa Plagge recently shared updates on the organization’s achievements, challenges, plans for the future, and notable community contributions.
Over the past six months, the Humane Society has expanded its network of dedicated volunteers, now with around 20 active members. These volunteers bring useful local connections to the cause, including school groups and organizations like the Boy Scouts. Creative events like “Dogs n’ Donuts” have raised funds for the organization and brought adoptable pets into the spotlight.
Local businesses are pitching in, too. Pampered Pets has hosted events to support the Humane Society’s efforts. Social media has become a crucial tool for spreading the word, with a weekly “Adoptable Pet” online post that is widely shared by community groups and businesses.
The Humane Society has also received incredible support from local youth. Recently, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (CGD) 3rd graders hosted a pet food drive, collecting dog and cat food to feed the animals at the shelter. Their efforts were an impressive demonstration of the power of young community members coming together.
But going above and beyond was 4th grader Alia Velasco, who made an extraordinary donation to the cause. Along with dog food and treats, Alia gifted $150, dog jackets, beds, and toys for the adoptable animals.
She brought a special treat, orange candy, for Teddy, the bear, who lives at the Humane Society. “Teddy is excellent,” shared Plagge. “He’s all chunky and adorable for winter hibernation!”
But even with support from the community, the humane society continues to face challenges. The issue of “community cats”, stray cats that some residents consider a nuisance, has been a tough challenge for the Humane Society. This summer, the organization launched a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program, starting at Lake Cornelia.
“The goal is to ensure the cats are healthy and can’t reproduce while keeping them in their found environment,” explained Plagge. Thanks to the program, she personally re-homed eight kittens and helped TNR about ten cats in the area.
This humane approach involves trapping stray cats, neutering or spaying them to prevent further reproduction, and releasing them back into their environment. The program helps control the stray cat population without resorting to euthanasia. Plagge credits the efforts of volunteers like Don Garrett, Sandy McGrath, and their families for their daily animal care. She also praised others like Marcia Burt and Colette Johnson for fostering partnerships and handling everyday tasks like vet appointments.
Community events have become an important part of the Humane Society’s outreach. From adoption efforts at the Clarion dog park opening to the annual “Lap the Lake” fundraiser and “doggie dip” swim days, these gatherings don’t just raise funds, they connect animals with potential adopters and get the animals socialized before adoption.
While the Humane Society continues to focus on immediate needs like animal care and adoption, plans for a permanent shelter are taking shape. “With Don Garrett (who houses the animals at his property) getting older, long-term plans for a shelter are a priority, but nothing is solid yet,” Plagge shared.
Despite challenges and thanks to the community and countless volunteers, the Humane Society of Wright County remains committed to its mission.
There are many ways you can get involved. Attend an event, foster an animal, or support the Humane Society’s TNR program. To learn more, follow the Wright County Humane Society on social media or contact them directly.
With every event, donation, and volunteer hour, the Humane Society moves closer to its dream of a permanent shelter and a future where every animal has a loving home.
