The shelter will host its third annual fundraiser and raffle on Feb. 2 at the VFW in Dakota City. The fundraiser and income from the popular raffle will help animals in Humboldt County as well as Webster County’s bigger medical cases and animals from surrounding counties that don’t have shelter facilities.

“Funds made during our big fundraiser go towards our general fund to be able to keep the lights on and the doors open and then towards our vet bills,” said Miranda Peterson, executive director of Moffitt Animal Shelter. “This fundraiser is a huge reason why we’re able to help with so many neglect and major medical cases without having to decide if we will be able to foot the bill on them or not.”

Moffitt Animal Shelter was one of just four shelters in the state who stepped in to help Webster County Animal Protection when 25 German shepherds were seized by the courts this summer for ongoing neglect.

“Without the support of Moffitt Animal Shelter continually stepping up for us and the animals of Webster County, we would not have accomplished even half of what we’ve been able to in the last two years,” said Kaila Benson, director of Webster County Animal Protection.

-Submitted photo
Billy was found emaciated and locked inside of a kennel. Moffitt Animal Shelter and its staff cared for and rehabilitated Billy, who now loves to snuggle and is looking for a forever home in the new year.

“They have jumped in to investigate cases, helped us seize and vet animals that needed help, and they’ve never said no when we’ve made the ‘we need help’ phone calls and text messages. They are the epitome of what it means to be a team player.”

Sadly, many of the cases that Moffitt Animal Shelter took on this year involved neglected and abused animals who were seized by law enforcement and involved in ongoing court cases. According to Peterson, while the owners of the animals were ordered by the court to pay restitution as well as the cost of the animals’ vet bills and board, that money is rarely received by the shelter.

“Those animals still need a shelter to be able to support their care as the scope of medical needs goes way beyond what the pound gets in money from the city,” said Peterson. “This fundraiser allows us to step up and take on their care. Our adoption fees don’t even begin to cover the cost of those animals that need extra help.”

Raffle tickets for the fundraiser are available now and include the opportunity to win two half hogs with processing from West River Meats, $50 gift certificates to Tim and Nick’s in Dakota City, Pasquales in Humboldt, and Unkies in Thor. Mechanical Solutions has donated a Blackstone griddle for the raffle as well.

DJ Bingo is scheduled for the fundraiser and a permanent jewelry vendor will be available as well.

-Submitted photo
The mother of these puppies came to Moffitt Animal Shelter bleeding and emaciated and on the verge of miscarrying a litter of puppies. All nine pups survived and have been cleared by a vet for adoption. They are half Doberman and half Mastiff mixes.

Peterson is also accepting additional items for the raffle as well as baskets for a silent auction. Raffle tickets are available at the shelter as well as from shelter board members.

“We’re very small, but we can do big things with the support of our community,” said Peterson. “We appreciate any help we can get from donations on our vet bills, donations of baskets or anything else towards our fundraiser and any other time of the year for that matter. We really couldn’t do any of the things we do without everyone’s support around us.”