For the past five months, the Freeborn County Humane Society has been in the limelight as one of the alleged victims in the embezzlement case of former Freeborn County Commissioner Linda Tuttle.

Having lost $150,000 as part of the alleged crime, the Humane Society is on a quest to raise the money again — which will ultimately go toward an expansion of its shelter.

As of Friday, almost $21,000 had been donated locally to go toward a two-to-one challenge grant by The Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation out of Rochester. That means for every $1 donated through Dec. 11, the foundation will give $2.

There have also been numerous other fundraisers by various businesses and individuals in the community to support this cause.

Humane Society volunteers said they are grateful for the support the community has given them in this endeavor.

During the summer, the organization typically sees an influx in animals, and without the expansion of the shelter, the shelter is being pushed to the max.

Humane Society Director Christa Stieler said there are at least 70 cats or kittens, 50 of which are at the shelter. The remainder are in foster homes.

“This has been a tough year, it really has,” Stieler said. “Lots and lots of strays and people bringing in multiple kittens — and from all over the county.”

She said the organization is not able to take any more cats unless others are first adopted.

There are about 10 dogs, and additional dogs are being taken on a dog-by-dog basis.

Stieler said if the Humane Society is unable to take an animal at the shelter, its volunteers will help people find another home for that animal.

To view the animals at the shelter, go to the Humane Society’s website at www.hsffc.org.

The following is a glimpse of five cats and five dogs currently at the shelter.

All animals are up-to-date on shots and are spayed or neutered.

Cats

Oreo

Oreo is a domestic short-haired female cat who is black and white in color. She was picked

up as a stray and can be described as a very level-headed cat. Give her a little time, and she will shower people with purrs, head-butts and plenty of lap time.

Mickey

Named after Mickey Mouse, Mickey is a domestic medium-haired cat that has a pink nose and gray and white hair. He sticks pretty close to his brother, Morris, and would love to stay with him forever. Morris is pretty shy at first, but once you give him a little time he opens up. Prefers a home without small kids.

Morris

Like all sidekicks, Morris is good company. A gray and white, medium-haired cat, he likes attention and spending time with his brother, Mickey. He doesn’t go looking for trouble but isn’t a scaredy-cat either. He gets along well with other cats.

Malibu

A typical Siamese cat, Malibu is the type of cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and who will always keep your secrets. When he came to the shelter he was not feeling well, and volunteers have been working hard to improve his health. Right now he’s on Science Diet food for sensitive stomachs.

Trinity

Coming to the shelter as a stray, Trinity is a domestic short-haired black cat with three legs and no tail. She has lived in foster homes, has taken care of kittens and lived with other cats. She is looking for someone who enjoys quiet times and togetherness. Has special needs and is de-clawed.

Prefers a home without kids.

Dogs

Butch

An Australian shepherd mix, Butch is a fun-loving, happy dog. He is looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. He loves kids and their energy. Has an issue with male dogs, as he doesn’t want to compete, but gets along OK with cats and female dogs.

Olivia

A black Labrador retriever, Olivia is smart, fuzzy and loves to learn and please. Sit, stay or balance, she can do it all. She gets along well with pretty much everyone, human and canine. Prefers a home without young children.

Bruno

A tan-colored chow chow, Bruno will sit at your feet, walk by your side, and be a devoted companion. He loves to learn and please. Sit, stay or balance, he can do it all. Prefers a home without small children.

Chica

A Labrador retriever/German shepherd mix, Chica is a fun-loving, happy dog who is looking for someone who loves to laugh and play. She thinks everything is fun, interesting and meant for play. Anything you do, she’ll want to do it too. She can get pretty scared around men, so someone with gentle guidance can help get her out of her shell.

Juniper

A Labrador retriever, Juniper is a gentle, sweet dog who is good with kids and her foster sister. She is good with her foster sister dog but is not sure about cats yet. She needs a fenced back yard though as she will get a smell and follow it.

Freeborn County Humane Society

Where: 101 James Ave., Albert Lea

Phone: 507-377-8501

Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Fridays.

To donate

To donate to the Freeborn County Humane Society as part of the challenge grant by The Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation, people can mail donations to P.O. Box 423, Albert Lea MN

56007 or drop them off in person at the shelter at 101 James Ave., Albert Lea.