A major equipment breakdown has led the Caring Hands Humane Society to ask for community support after the animal shelter was forced to replace a lawn mower that had served the organization for nearly two decades.
In a message shared with supporters, the shelter said its mower recently failed after 19 years of use. The mower had originally been donated through a supporter’s estate and had continued operating thanks to years of maintenance and repairs handled in-house by the shelter’s head of maintenance, Josh.
Shelter officials said the mower became too costly and impractical to continue repairing, leaving the organization with no choice but to purchase a replacement.
The new mower cost approximately $4,900, an expense the shelter said was not included in its budget.
Caring Hands Humane Society cares for nearly 600 dogs each year and currently houses 31 dogs that depend on maintained outdoor exercise areas. Shelter officials emphasized that mowing is not simply cosmetic, but essential to maintaining safe and sanitary play and exercise spaces for animals in their care.
The shelter said donors have already stepped forward to help offset the unexpected cost. One supporter matched the first $500 donated, and another donor has pledged to match the next $500 in contributions.
In its appeal, the organization highlighted several dogs currently benefiting from the shelter’s outdoor areas, including Big Gulp, Boulder, Cash, Groot and Ashton.
Shelter leaders are encouraging supporters to consider making donations to help recover the replacement cost and continue daily operations for the animals in their care.
You can make donations at this link.
You can mail checks or money orders to:
Caring Hands Humane Society1400 SE 3rd St.,
Newton, KS 67114