Editor:

The Oneida County Humane Society (OCHS) recently merged with the Rhinelander Animal Shelter to become the OCHS Adoption Center. Since then, a number of misperceptions and confusion about what it all means have come to our attention.

OCHS is an independent, private non-profit corporation. The words “Oneida County” in our name designate the area that we serve. The words do not mean that Oneida County “took over” the adoption center, nor do they mean that OCHS is a part of Oneida County government in any way.

Yes, the Oneida County Board of Supervisors recently approved a grant ($40,000) to OCHS from their 2013 budget. The City of Rhinelander will also continue to help OCHS in 2013 ($46,000). These grants are donations to OCHS in recognition that OCHS provides a necessary service to residents of Oneida County and the City of Rhinelander. It does not mean that OCHS is a branch or department of either the county or the city.

The grants, which total $86,000 for 2013, will cover only one-half the cost of operating the adoption center for the year ($170,000 is our 2013 budget). OCHS will have to raise the remaining $84,000 through the fees that we charge, fundraising events and generous donations from individuals, businesses and community groups.

Please consider a generous year-end gift to the Oneida County Humane Society. Your donation is tax-deductible and the animals are depending on you.

Sincerely,

Anna Kazda, president, OCHS