MANKATO — For most members and volunteers of Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society, Saturday will be a much anticipated dream come true. After hundreds of fundraisers and a two-year campaign fundraiser, the much-needed larger building has been built. It can accommodate more homeless animals and is environmentally “green” at its best.

The public open house will showcase some of the furnishings that are recycled items, such as doors, desks and chairs. Don Nelson, who gathered these items, will be proud to show and explain how this was possible. He and wife, Katherine, have stored and moved these items. Don has also chaired the building construction project.

All the old steps will be gone, so we hope some of our retired volunteers will return and resume dog walking. It’s a win-win situation for both dogs and volunteers. Currently, volunteers range from 16-83 years of age.

We are working toward the day when all pets are treated with respect and kindness — no dogs dumped on a rural road in a blizzard and no live cats glued down for road kill.

If you have questions, the dedicated board will be there with answers on Saturday. What an opportunity to delight in your donations that have made this facility possible. Thanks to everyone who has given a monetary gift to help make this “no-kill” shelter a reality. There is still time to get a stepping stone ordered for our spring planting in the O’Grady Memorial Garden.

The past may have disturbed a few of you, but now you can see the reality of our hardworking president, Suzi Kroon, and friends. When I stopped at the new shelter last week, Suzi was scraping plaster off the floor, Katherine was on a ladder painting, and the treasurer, Mary, was washing windows.

BENCHS is a vibrant program and has taken “baby steps” in the past four years to accomplish this commitment to the animals. They will need your continued support and concern to continue to serve the community. This shelter has had no support from the city government. Money was donated from individuals. BENCHS raised the funds to build the new Riverside Regional Pet Shelter.

When considering a pet, please think of us. This will keep us operating smoothly and fulfill our mission.

Rise and shine and become a member of BENCHS and help us become debt free in 2010.





Pam Borchert is a past BENCHS officer and a current member.