It's the hot, dog days of summer, and the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri hopes to raise donations.

The third annual Dog Days of Summer Photo Contest, a fund-raiser for the society, is now soliciting photos.

The contest will be held at the West Park Mall from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Aug. 30.

Cindy Lange, program coordinator for the society, said the contest is one of the fund-raisers the society has each year to raise donations for operating expenses.

She said donations are needed to keep the shelter operational and provide funds for expected and unexpected expenses.

Shelter administrator Jan White said operational expenses are everything from property maintenance of the shelter to animal care expenses.

"We have a payroll of $75,000 for five full-time and three part-time people," said White.

Very little shelter revenue comes from sources other than donations. "Less than one-third of our operational funds come from city contracts," White said.

A recent unexpected expense has shelter personnel perplexed.

An after-hours abandoned-animal drop-off area at the back of the society's shelter contains padlocks on cages to secure animals until morning. "Someone has been stealing the padlocks," she said. "We kept replacing them. Now we are going to have to find a new way to lock them in."

To enter the photo contest participants need to submit a photograph of their pet doing his or her favorite summer activity.

All the photographs will be displayed at West Park Mall. Shoppers will have the opportunity to make a $1 donation as a vote for their favorite photo.

The contestant with the most votes will win a prize package.

Registration forms may be picked up at the Humane Society at 2536 Boutin Dr. before Aug. 28.

Lange said donations such as paper towels, bleach and dry animal foods are always needed at the shelter.