The Cochrane and Area Humane Society and Pet Valu are thanking locals for their support, after raising $3479 for the Humane Society through Pet Appreciation Month.

In April, Pet Valu encouraged customers to buy a paper paw, or donate food and other goods in support of our local humane society.

Karina Labelle, Pet Valu Cochrane owner, says the amount of donations amazed her, 543 Paws were sold to customers in just one month.

"People are very happy to give money in town," she says. "There were two or three $100 donations, some $50, lots of $10 and $5, some people bought a paw every time they came in. Everybody was very impressed to see all the paws we had over the store, they couldn't believe how many we had for the whole month."

The fundraiser also received lots food, pet related goods, and giftcards from local businesses such as Save-On-Foods and Safeway.

Jaimie Anton, Cochrane and Area Humane Society Fund Development Officer shares the organization is extremely grateful for the amount of support the town always gives.

"We hugely appreciate Pet Valu and all of the local support we get, it's tremendous, these fundraisers help us out a lot," she says. "A huge thank you for all of the local support we get, from everybody, we certainly couldn't do it without that support and help."

This is the second time Pet Valu Cochrane has done a Pet Appreciation Month fundraiser, the goal for next year is set at $4500.