It often seems like a revolving door at the McDonough County Animal Shelter for bully breeds, and because of the often-maligned reputation of the breeds, they might be long-term residents of a shelter. The Humane Society of McDonough County (HSMC) is hoping to remedy part of the problem through its new 'Fix a Bully' program.
'Like many local counties, we find these dogs are the most likely to end up in a shelter due to backyard breeding,' explained HSMC Board member Loren Dimmit. 'We are being proactive to reduce the number of backyard-bred dogs and accidental litters, as this breed makes up the majority of our intake and can be more difficult to place. Courtney Duckwiler (another Board member) and I both have a soft spot for these dogs and want to ensure they don't spend years in the shelter.'
An application is available on the Humane Society's website where anyone can apply for a free spay or neuter voucher, regardless of their financial circumstances, Dimmit added. If an individual qualifies for state or local benefits, they'll be asked to complete a county voucher to utilize the low-income portion of the program.
Bingo for Bullies
To help raise funds for the new initiative, Dimmit and Duckwiler will be hosting a 'Fix a Bully' Bingo night at Saturday, July 11 at the Bushnell VFW. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with bingo kicking off at 7 p.m. For $15, players can get a six pack (six squares/game) and $20 for a nine-pack (nine squares/game). Each pack includes the regular bingo packet and three special game papers. Ten regular games will be played, along with three special games. Prizes for winners will be a selection of donated items from area businesses, and from such organizations as BarkBox and the St. Louis Cardinals. The three special games and 50/50 drawing will include cash prizes. Raffle items, donated from the Bushnell VFW Auxiliary, community members and such companies as Chewy and Nylabone, will also be part of the event.
'This is a cause we’re incredibly passionate about and one that is urgently needed,' Duckwiler added. 'When we scheduled this event, McDonough County Animal Shelter had 16 bully mix puppies and adult bully mixes in their care. Save the date, tell your friends, and consider donating!'
For more information, or to donate, contact (309) 3513388 or e-mail [email protected].
