Furry faces in need

By Rachel Smith

Staff Reporter

Looking for a pet to add to your family this summer? Want to give a home to a cat or dog in need? It's time for you to visit the Humane Society of Ottawa County located at 2424 E. Sand Road in Port Clinton.

Walking into the office, a visitor will immediately be greeted by Bo and Kelly, two older dogs who roam the front office. The humane society currently is home to 22 dogs and over 150 cats. Some have been at the society most of their lives. Others are still young. Most people come to the society looking for that perfect little puppy or kitten. Megan Feicht said that she tries to show people that older dogs and cats are just as good pets as puppies or kittens. Taking home a 1 or 2 year old animal would mean it is already housetrained, it is done teething, and is accustomed being around other animals.

The Humane Society has six employees. Additionally, countless volunteers help out by walking dogs, scoping litter boxes, and even doing yard work. Cleaners come in every day at 6am to clean the cages.

The society is funded through donations and adoption fees. They rely on donations of food, leashes, toys, treats, and blankets. Catawba Clean Scene recently donated a laundry washer and dryer for the cleaning of blankets and bedding.

A unique feature of this humane society is its two catteries. Instead of having each cat in its own cage, the two catteries are open rooms filled with pillows, cathouses, and shelves. The cats roam free in each room, being able to interact with each other. One cattery is for the older less active cats and the other for younger cats. "It helps them get adopted because people can see them interact," said Feicht.

Due to the amount of cats needing homes, the society sends some to the Petco in Sandusky for their adoption section. They have found homes for over 100 cats through this partnership.

Since its establishment in 1976, the humane society has had three different locations. Currently the society is drawing up plans for a new building. The new building will be on the same lot as the current one. When the drawings are finished, the humane society will begin fundraising for the project.

Adoptions fees are $50 for a cat, $60 or a kitten, $75 for a dog, and $85 for a puppy. This adoption fee includes the spaying/neutering of the animal. Also, the animal comes with all the necessary vaccinations. The society is open for adoptions from 12pm to 5pm on Tuesday through Saturday.

A lot of people in the surrounding community donate their time and money to the society, but some days, with all the animals pouring in, they are still spread thin. "We try to do what we can with what we have," said Feicht.

Upcoming fundraiser events are a Tails and Tires (Dog and Car Wash) on July 5th from 9am-4pm at Bassett's Market, a Rummage sale at Courtesy Auto World on July 11th and 12th, the Gem Beach Marine "Float Your Boat 5k Walk and Run" on July 13th at 9:30am, a Dog Walk "Strut Your Mutt" at East Harbor State Park, another Tails and Tires Wash on August 9th from 9am-3pm at Community Market, and a Dogs and Suds (Dog Wash) on August 30th from 9am-3pm at Dubbert's Marine.

The staff of the Ottawa County Humane Society does a fantastic job of loving and caring for these cats and dogs. Any support given by the community is greatly appreciated. Even just stopping by to take a dog for a walk can make a difference. If you can't open your home to an abandoned cat or dog, you can still open your heart.