KOTA Territory humane society gets celebrity attention - KOTA Territory News

KOTA Territory humane society gets celebrity attention

After a fire in April of last year one KOTA Territory humane society is really starting to recover. And they're also getting some celebrity attention.

The fire at Battle Mountain Humane Society last year left the non–profit, no kill shelter hurting. "There was 96 dogs at the time, we did lose 12 of them," said shelter Vice President Michelle Brock. "It was devastating, but when I got here the community and everybody was unbelievable."

Brock says donations came pouring in. "We can't thank everybody enough," said Brock.

Now, the humane society is rebuilding, but Brock says she's still reaching out for aid. "I sat on the computer just sending out e–mails to celebrities and stuff like that to ask for help," said Brock.

And that's how the Battle Mountain Humane Society became one of four shelters in the nation chosen by The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan for a "coats for dogs" fundraiser. "So four shelters got 47 fleece jackets and it's so wonderful because we have such cold weather out here in South Dakota," said Brock.

Those 47 coats would have cost the shelter about $25 a piece if they had to purchase them on their own. "They're comfortable and cozy, and the dogs are just going to love it," said Brock.

But other celebrities responded as well, "Ryan Newman the race car driver, when we had the fire he donated 25 kennels," said Brock. "Betty white went ahead and donated $1,000 to our vet bill."

And the community continues to drop donations into their drop box almost daily. "It's so nice to open up and see all the goodies for the dogs you know it's like there's treats, there's food, there's cloths, there's blankets, there's everything!" said Brock.

The Battle Mountain Humane Society is still fundraising to recover from the fire. Brock says they need concrete, electricity, and plumbing in their new building, and of course they are always in need of more dog food.