By Sarrah Peters, News Editor
The Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center is offering extended holiday hours, gift certificates, discounts, its annual Reindeer Run and more this December.
The Humane Society is hosting the 6th Annual Reindeer Run on December 17. The Reindeer Run idea came to life when the employees and volunteers began to brainstorm fundraiser ideas.
“We really didn’t have a whole lot going on in the winter,” said Humane Society director Christi Brown.
The 5k run starts at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Registration is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. The run is a Grand Prix Race. Shirts are given to registered runners if they register by Dec. 11.
This year sponsorships are being sold. The Bronze level sponsorship is $100 and includes the business name on the t-shirt and the event page and one registration. The Silverlevel is $250 and includes the business name on the t-shirt, a banner ad on the website and two registrations. The Gold level is $500 and includes the business logo on the t-shirt, an ad on the website, promotional materials in the runners’ packets, the option of vendor space and four registrations. In order to get the t-shirts in on time, the sponsor deadline is Dec. 10. To secure a sponsorship, message the Humane Society Facebook page or call 256-442-1347 ext. 224.
There will also be a Woof Walk, which is a one mile walk. The Woof Walk is only $5.
Pets are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. The runs will be held on Broad Street in Gadsden. The starting point is Blackstone Pub and Eatery. After the race, runners return to Blackstone Pub and Eatery and awards will be given.
“I want to thank Blackstone for opening early for us,” said Brown.
All money raised by the fundraiser will go to support the Humane Society. Last year over 100 people participated in the race. Brown is expecting more attendees this year.
“We love the holiday season and we wanted to do something for the supporters and have a good time,” said Brown. “This is a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
The Humane Society is offering extended hours on December 15, 16 and 22 as part of the Home for the Holidays initiative. To help working families make it in before the holidays begin, the Humane Society will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on these two days. Home for the Holidays hopes to give local homeless animals a forever home for Christmas. If you aren’t in the market for a new pet, you are welcome to donate items or money before the end of the year, to get a tax break. The Humane Society needs donations of dry Purina kitten and puppy chow, toys, bleach, paper towels and fleece bedding.
The Humane Society often has an influx of animals returned after the holidays. To combat the returns, the Humane Society has begun to offer gift certificates. These certificates can be for any amount and can go towards a $25 microchipping for a current pet or a $100 pet adoption fee. This allows those receiving pets to pick the right one for them.
“We discourage getting a pet for a gift, unless the person who is going to be responsible for the pet comes with them,”said Brown. “If you want it to be a surprise, then get the gift certificate.”
If recipients do not wish to use the certificate, they can donate the money to the Humane Society.
For the month of December, cat adoption fees are half-off, so only $50. There is an abundance of cats at the moment, and the shelter wants to save as many as possible.
Adopted animals are tested for parasites, heartworms or feline leukemia, are vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered. They receive a wellness check and 30 days of health insurance.
For that tough to buy for animal lover on your list, consider donating to the Humane Society in their honor, or in memory of a past pet. The Humane Society will send a card to let the recipient know. This feature is available online at hsprac.com or through the mail.