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Humane society to hold launch party
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The Georgia Bulldogs may be off on Saturday, but you still can enjoy some Varsity food and hang out with dogs at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia’s celebration.

The organization, which recently changed its name and mission, is holding a “Life Savers” launch party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the shelter at 845 W. Ridge Road.

The free event features music, Jeff McClure performing magic and tours of the facility. And, of course, hot dogs and onion rings from the Varsity. Even the food is free, but society President Rick Aiken said donations are appreciated to help cover the shelter’s costs.

“It’s just to explain to people what we’re doing,” Aiken said of Saturday’s event. “It’s not a whole lot of changes; we’re just expanding our mission.”

On Oct. 14, the nonprofit humane society split from Hall County Animal Control, which has opened its own Barber Road facility. The change in mission for the humane society moves them away from euthanizing animals for lack of space to becoming a selective shelter.

That change in mission was recently recognized with a pair of grants from PetSmart stores. The humane society had applied for a $36,000 grant to hire a second veterinarian to perform spays and neuters, but was given an additional $12,000 grant when PetSmart learned of the recent changes, Aiken said.

While the humane society remains in the same building it has occupied for 10 years, Aiken said some cosmetic renovations are being made as well.

“We’re making some renovation changes that I think the public will like — the way the dogs are showcased and the cats and kittens,” Aiken said. 

“It’s exciting to see some of the things we’ve got going on.”

Dogs and cats of all ages and breeds will be available for adoption Saturday. The $100 adoption fee covers health exam, spaying or neutering, microchipping, first vaccines, rabies shot for animals old enough, deworming, flea treatment, a feline leukemia combo test for cats and kittens and a heartworm check for dogs and puppies.

In addition, Aiken said all pets adopted from the humane society have a 10-day guarantee.

The humane society also needs volunteers to help with various tasks and we comes donations of cash and supplies.

A list of items needed by the shelter, as well as a volunteer application form, can be seen on the Web site at www.humanesocietyofnortheastgeorgia.com.