March 18, 2024

I’m no Bob Barker, but you can help the pet population

There are a lot of things a journalist can anticipate on election night. The results trickle in unison with the coffee pot brewing in the office corner as the late night of caffeinated data compilation pushes on. It’s expected to hear triumphant speeches mixed with reluctant concessions.

But what I did not expect was my girlfriend’s bloodcurdling scream as she realized we had a furry, winged visitor crash our primary election watch party.

The bat was tiny, but the little guy or gal crept up on her in a stealth cloak. Thankfully, Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s website gave perfect instructions on how to safely free the bat from our fourth-floor apartment. It did not involve a bat signal but required us to pull all screens from the windows, shut off the lights and remain quite until the bat navigated his way to freedom. No one was hurt, and all parties were happy.

But this is what the Rescue League does. They care for all creatures and keep scaredy cats such as myself away from tennis rackets to use more respectful forms of animal treatment.

The Jasper County Animal Rescue League has regular adoption specials to help a furry friend in need of a home. Just this week adoption fees for all large dogs are only $25 through June 21, cats are $20 and kittens are $40. Also, Family Video is hosting an adoption day from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Through Facebook, adopters can also find the dog or cat of the day to receive special pricing for a specific pooch or feline friend, or a concerned owner can locate their lost pet. Animal lovers can also find fun facts, articles and trends highlighted by the JCARL social media outlet.

Spring is traditionally the time of year that animal rescues across the county have an influx of pets and JCARL is no exception. Donations and volunteers make the difference. For information on how to help contact the Rescue League at (641) 792-5407 or visit www.jcarl.org to make a donation.