LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETY KICKS OFF WEEK TO PROMOTE ANIMAL KINDNESS

There wasn't a color to symbolize humane treatment of animals before Monday, but Laura Walz and the junior volunteers at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri picked one.

It was purple. As she launched a single purple balloon into the rainy sky, Walz, the society's development coordinator, said that it stood for the purple hearts mistreated animals should receive for surviving.

The launching helped mark Be Kind To Animals Week May 7-13. The week was started in 1915 to promote animal awareness. Local Humane Society officials are using the week also to honor volunteers and animal lovers.

Travis Clayton, an Indian medicine man, offered a prayer at Monday's event. He noted that Indians believed animals are made in God's image and are here to teach humans how to live in balance.

All Indian prayers include treaties for the "four-legged ones and the winged ones."

Jhan White, animal shelter administrator, said the shelter is about to begin its busy season. Late spring brings more puppies and kittens, and the shelter has about 150 animals on any given day. Most that aren't placed within a reasonable amount of time must be destroyed, but White said decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

She hopes the special week will remind people to have their pets spayed or neutered.

"If you love them, spay or neuter them," White said. "They will live longer lives and be better companions. There are so many benefits."

She fears people aren't getting the message since the shelter's population hasn't decreased.

People interested in adopting an animal can visit the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri on Boutin Road any day of the week.