Editorial

Holiday Helpers

Many of us like to take a few days off around Christmas and New Years. But there's no break when it comes to taking care of furry companions at animal shelters.

There are cages to clean. There is food to put out. But thanks to a local group of volunteers, staff at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri were able to enjoy Christmas Day off.

About a dozen volunteers, part of the shelter's Holiday Helpers group, spent some time on Christmas Day caring for more than 50 animals.

Tressa Watson, one of the volunteers from Cape Girardeau, told the Southeast Missourian that her family, who has helped for eight years, receives much joy through helping. She added that it's nice to do something for the staff.

"A lot of people who work here have little children at home, so this gives them time to spend with them," she said.

Humane Society board member Charlotte Craig said about 4,000 animals are taken in by the shelter every year. With this many animals, there's a lot of food and other supplies used.

This is the time of year for resolutions. Resolving to help animals at local shelters through donating, volunteering or even adopting a pet is a great way to start 2013.

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