The Crookston Area Chamber Ambassadors gathered this week to recognize and congratulate a very vibrant and energetic business in the Crookston community.

Scruffy Tails Humane Society ambassador visit was nothing less than extraordinary. The organization, formally known as the Humane Society of Polk County, is eager to make a respectable name for themselves and only do great things for our community’s cherished dogs and cats. Scruffy Tails Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported entirely by generous donors and contributors. They are a no-kill organization meaning they will not euthanize due to lack of space, time, or funding. Their mission is to aid in the reunification and rehoming of cats and dogs, to support the human-animal bond through community education, and provide a safe shelter when needed. Their vision is to lead and inspire a community dedicated to saving the lives and pets and supporting the humans who love them.

You can support the Scruffy Tails Humane Society in a number of ways, the best being adoption. If adopting is just not an option in your household, temporarily fostering the homeless pets is a beneficial way to ensure the pets get the attention they need. Volunteering to do activities with the pets, like walking or socializing with them is also helpful.

Scruffy Tails Humane Society is always in need of non-clumping litter, dry cat and dog food, paper towels, garbage bags, and dog and cat toys. Of course, donated funds are always an option via cash or check, as well as online through Scruffy Tail’s new website: www.scruffytails.org.

Nancy Sykes, Board President, talks very highly about the board of directors, pointing out that they are very active in the organization and extremely hands-on. She states that the board is unique and comes with a lot of knowledge. They are also investing in their building and staff. The board also includes Leela Hier (Board Vice President), Leanne Novacek (Board Secretary), Diane Christianson (Board Treasurer), Arianna Wambach (Board Member), Martha Wissmann (Board Member), Joan Tronson (Board Member), Danelle Amiot (Board Member), and Val Tuseth (Board Member).

Nicole Heskin, Shelter Manager, is clearly passionate about her job. She states, “it’s important to us to keep the humane society open in the community so we can continue to keep cats and dogs safe. We are currently strategizing with the city and the county to work together. Groups can do fundraising for us, and they are always welcome to come in and interact with the animals.” The Scruffy Tails Humane Society operates strictly by donations, fundraising, and two impound contracts.