People for Pets, a non-profit animal shelter and pet adoption center in Spencer, has received a $125,000 donation to purchase the building they had been renting. The donation was made by Steve Pearson and Lori Thomas of Spirit Lake.

The donation was given in memory of Steve's sister, Maribeth Pearson, who loved all animals.

" Steve and I have worked with the volunteers at People for Pets and have the deepest respect and admiration for the dedication and commitment these people have toward the hundreds of abused and abandoned pets in the Iowa Lakes corridor and surrounding area. No local, state, or federal funding is available to support these efforts. All funding is provided by donations," said Lori Thomas.

"We sincerely hope our gift will allow People for Pets to continue and expand their efforts."

People for Pets was formed in 1997 and has operated out of various locations in Spencer. The current location at 2312 Highway Blvd., has been purchased from Linda Maske, one of the founders and original volunteers. People for Pets has only one paid part-time employee. All other duties are performed by volunteers.

In 2007, 130 cats and 172 dogs found homes through the shelter. So far this year, the shelter has received 43 dogs from impound and 100 from owner surrender. They have taken in 139 cats from impound and 97 from owner surrender. Currently they have 23 dogs and 104 cats that are available for adoption.

"By helping to put People for Pets in a more secure financial position, we are hopeful others will be more inclined to contribute. Additional money is needed for fencing and building improvements, expanded cat housing, everyday care and continual veterinary expenses. The payoff is knowing you've helped neglected, injured and overlooked animals become happy and healthy," Lori Thomas said.

The internet is heavily used to place animals with other rescue groups and adopters outside our area. Most of these animals come from the city impound, owner surrender and abandonment.

"Although these may seem like large numbers, limited space and funding only allow us to offer shelter to a small percentage of animals who are truly in need. Despite the generous discounts given us by the Dickinson County Animal Clinic of Spirit Lake and Animal Medical Center of Spencer and Hartley, our costs per animal approaches $200. Some of those costs are defrayed by those adopting the animals but the rest depends upon donations," said volunteer, Donna Erickson.

Volunteer, Susan Clarity said, "We recognize that it is impossible for us to shelter and adopt out all of the unwanted and uncared for pets in our community. Solving this problem depends on controlling dog and cat birthrates. Therefore, People for Pets are advocates for an aggressive spay/neuter program and all pets that are of age are altered before leaving our facility. If you are unwilling or unable to help solve the unwanted pet crisis, please do your part by spaying or neutering your pets."

* Check out the People for Pets website www.peopleforpets.org to see all our pets and find out more about our organization. Look for details on our open house to be held Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1-4pm.