A reduced-cost spay and neuter program.

Monthly adopt-a-thons.

Fundraisers benefiting the county’s unwanted or abandoned pets.

A lot has changed in the six or seven years Ann Anderson has been with the Humane Society of Moffat County, she said.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Anderson, the organization’s secretary.

The Humane Society will host an open house to celebrate its 10th anniversary from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Moffat County Fairgrounds’ covered picnic area.

The event is free and includes refreshments and live entertainment.

Pat Pearce, Humane Society of Moffat County president, also has seen the organization develop since she began attending its meetings shortly after its inception.

Her involvement stemmed from both a passion and a shared concern.

“I just love animals, I guess,” Pearce said. “We all had (seen) a need for some organization or someone to help with the … pet overpopulation,” she said.

Setting up pet waste cleanup stations was one of the group’s first projects, she said.

The list eventually expanded to include discount spay and neuter operations, a transfer program to take animals to other shelters, and school education program to teach children the importance of being responsible pet owners, said Amber Shaffer, Humane Society of Moffat County treasurer.

“If we want to see true change in our community, I think you have to start with the kids,” she said of the education program.

The Humane Society also offers “Second-Chance Saturday,” a discount adopt-a-thon on the second Saturday of every month at Craig Animal Shelter, located at Bear Creek Animal Hospital, 2430 E. Victory Way.

The group has other potential projects on the horizon, like helping to bring a dog park to Craig.

“We see that as a need for the community,” Pearce said.

The group is conducting a survey to gauge interest in the project.

These and other initiatives require investments of both cash and time.

To address the former, the group plans to host a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 and 8 a.m. to noon July 28 at 2205 E. Ninth St. All proceeds benefit animals in Moffat County, Pearce said.

Saturday’s event also recognizes Humane Society volunteers, who Shaffer said are pivotal to the organization.

“We’re 100 percent volunteer,” she said. “We don’t have any paid staff.”

The Humane Society is seeking volunteers to help with a variety of programs. For more information or to sign up, call 824-7235.

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