Santa helps out Humane Society
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/11/2018 (2609 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Santa was in town Saturday at Pet Valu for a day of photos with family pets of all shapes and sizes, helping to raise money for the Brandon Humane Society.
Brandon Humane Society shelter manager Tracy Munn was excited for the event, one the organization’s largest fundraisers of the year.
“I’m in heaven. I’m like a kid. Santa’s here,” exclaimed Munn.
With a seemingly never-ending line of pets coming in for a visit, treat and photo, Munn estimates that Santa met with at least 80 animals.
Almost every type of family pet was on hand for the event, with everything from cats and dogs, to lizards and bunnies popping in.
“There was one guy with an alpaca in the back of his trailer, but he didn’t want to bring it in,” Munn laughed.
The Humane Society receives no funding from the city or government, relying on donations from the community to help keep the doors open.
Having around 100 animals in their care at any time, both in the shelter and in foster care, Munn said every donation helps.
Most people remain unaware of the behind-the-scenes work that takes place at the Humane Society.
While the photos with Santa are joyful moment for pets and their owners, Munn said, it is important to take a moment to remember the animals who do not have a home.
“A (cold) day like today they die, if you don’t take puppies and kittens they die. Lots of animals don’t survive,” Munn said.
Munn has seen some ugly and sad things while working at the Humane Society, with a number of animals coming in rough shape requiring health care and support.
Events like Photos with Santa help raise awareness and funding for the organization, while also serving as a semi reunion between Human Society volunteers and animals they have helped take care of, and find homes.
Sarah Rost, a longtime friend of the Humane Society, was on hand at the event to get photos of her pets with Santa.
The event has been taking place for more than 20 years, and Rost has been a mainstay at the photo session after adopting a dog from the Humane Society eight years ago.
Bringing her bearded dragon Phoenix and dog Heath, Rost was thrilled to have the chance to support the Brandon Humane Society, and meet Santa.
“We’ve got to give what we can to the Humane Society because they give so much to all of Manitoba,” Rost said, “The least we can do is come and give $20 for a photo.”
The Humane Society does not just adopt animals out and forget them, Munn said. Instead, they offer continued help and support for animals and their owners.
Rost knows firsthand the valuable place the Humane Society holds in the community.
Her dog Heath was diagnosed with Addison’s disease — a endocrine disorder where adrenal glands are unable to produce enough steroid hormones — about a year after he was adopted.
“It’s cost them a fortune,” Munn said.
The first person Rost called for help was Munn, and she was ready right away to provide support and assistance.
Rost joked that Munn is like a godmother to her pets.
“We’re like a connection of family,” Munn said, “Kindness is the easy thing. It’s free, it’s something we can all give and it can change the world.”
» ckemp@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp