Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society

Building Fund

There's more to

be done

Operating Expenses

Your financial contribution, large or small, is always welcomed and deeply appreciated. Please consider donating to fund shelter operations so that we can continue to give our animals the help they need.

BENCHS is an independent, nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, making your contribution tax-deductible. BENCHS is not supported by any municipalities or animal welfare organizations. We owe our success to many compassionate, kind-hearted people who support us through memberships, donations, estate bequests, and fundraising events.

BUILDING FUND UPDATE

There's more to be done.

While the new shelter is open for the animals, it is far from complete. RRPS will move forward with individual projects as money becomes available through continued fundraising efforts.

Surgical/Veterinary Suite

A major priority is furnishing and staffing of a surgical/veterinary suite. Why do we need a special area for animal health care? While most preventative care is provided by shelter employees, sick and surgery patients are transported to veterinary clinics in Mankato and surrounding communities. In 2009, 42% of BENCHS' annual budget was spent on medical care. Health care capabilities on-site at the shelter means substantial cost savings and improved animal health.

Once a surgical suite is furnished, RRPS will employ a certified veterinary technician and a part-time veterinarian. Veterinary technicians are qualified to do animal treatments, administer vaccines and parasite preventatives, and draw blood samples for screening tests such as leukemia and heartworm. Technicians assist veterinarians with surgery and anesthesia, and they are trained in a wide array of skills, such as animal behavior, restraint, and grooming.

A veterinarian will initially work one day a week to perform surgeries, examine sick animals, prescribe treatments, and order pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. He or she will assist in developing shelter policy, set preventative and treatment protocols, and train staff on sanitation and preventative health measures.

Anticipated Expenses:

Cabinets, sink & finishing

Laboratory equipment - mircoscope, centrifuge, refrigerator, blood chemistry machine, refractometer, Readacrit

Surgery - table, instrument stand, monitor, instruments, autoclave, drapes, towels, oxygen, warming pads, utility cart

Medical supplies - stethoscope, otoscope & opththalmoscope, thermometers, IV stand, electric clippers, bandaging materials, syringes, needles, suture

Pharmaceuticals & vaccines

Recovery cages

MORE WAYS TO HELP

Make a gift in honor or memory of someone special. A gift in tribute of a person or animal is a wonderful way to show you care about them and the animals at BENCHS.

Double your gift through a corporate match. Some companies will match the charitable gifts made by their employees or retirees. Check with your human resources department.

Include BENCHS in your estate plan. Planned giving through your will or estate plan can be a rewarding legacy.

Donate stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, or other assets. This can benefit you as well as the animals -- check with your financial advisor.

Become a corporate or business partner. Play an active role in the community while showing that you care.

The "SNAP Fund

BENCHS created the Save Neglected and Abused Pets (SNAP) critical care fund to pay for the veterinary care of seriously ill, injured, and abused animals.

All animals coming into the shelter receive needed veterinary care; however, the BENCHS operating fund is unable to absorb the costs of extensive medical care and surgery. Read more.

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours or mailed to:

BENCHS

1250 N. River Dr.

Mankato, MN 56001

All gifts are tax-deductible.

Recycling Effort

Keep your aluminum cans coming! This ongoing reycling effort generates needed income for the shelter. Bring your bagged cans to the shelter and leave them near the garage.

E-mail BENCHS at: rrps@hickorytech.net