ABUNDANCE OF ANIMALS: HUMANE SOCIETY HAS PLENTY FOR ADOPTION

June is recognized as the month for weddings, but at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri it also marks the beginning of puppy and kitten season.

Program coordinator Cynthia Kothe said the humane society gets a daily supply of animals when warm weather arrives. Although on Monday no new animals had arrived by midafternoon, a number of animals were found in the shelter's drop box where they had been left anonymously overnight.

"It's the time of year when babies are born," said Kothe. "We have dozens of puppies and kittens coming in daily in all types of conveyances -- cardboard boxes, on leashes, in people's pockets."

Kothe said the shelter has received a large number of baby rabbits and adult animals of all kinds this month but no animals of an exotic nature.

Because overcrowding can occur quickly during the summer, the humane society makes a special effort to educate the public about animal safety and responsibility. Kothe encourages people to visit the shelter and see what animals are available for adoption. However, she warned that pet adoption is a big responsibility that shouldn't be taken on lightly.

Children ages 8 to 11 will have a chance to learn about proper care of their old or new pets during the Kids for Animals educational series sponsored by the humane society. The series will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays from July 20 through Aug. 24.

Kothe said the series was developed to provide children with hands-on activities with animals, field trips and guest presentations to make them more aware of the responsibilities connected with raising a pet. Pet owners need to understand their pets require as much attention as a child. Animals, like children, require trips to the doctor, vaccinations, and adequate food and shelter.

"We want people to think it through really carefully before they take an animal home," she said. "It takes some extra resources to adopt an animal, and we want people to be aware of what they're getting into."

Families considering pet adoption may visit the humane society between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Adoptees must complete a brief questionnaire, and a donation is requested depending upon the age of an animal.

For more information about pet adoption or for directions to the humane society call (573) 334-5837.