POTSDAM -- The Build-A-Bear Foundation has granted the Potsdam Humane Society $1,500 to help spay and neuter the thousands of feral and stray cats in the North Country.

This overpopulation of cats is a huge problem all over the United States, according to the Humane Society, and contributes greatly to the suffering of thousands of cats annually. Cat overpopulation is also causing health concerns in our local communities. For each person born in the United States, there are over 45,000 kittens being born.

In order to attack this problem, PHS will be offering clinics to which strays or trapped feral (wild) cats and kittens (over two pounds) may be brought for spaying or neutering surgery.

As part of an ambitious capital project to increase the size of its animal shelter, PHS will soon have the space to offer these clinics to North Country residents at their 17 Madrid Avenue location. The nonprofit group has been seeking free resources to cover the costs. The Build A Bear Foundation has come through with a $1,500 boost, said PHS Board President Bonnie Boyd.

Boyd traveled to the Carousel Mall in Syracuse, which houses the closest Build-A-Bear store, and adopted a stuffed puppy. According to the “birth certificate,” this dog belongs to the PHS, but does not yet have a name. PHS wants the public’s help in giving the stuffed critter a catchy name to fill in the birth certificate. The initials will be PHS, so if you can devise a male or female name like that, send suggestions to the shelter at potsdamhumanesociety@verizon.net along with your name and contact information.

Boyd says PHS is very grateful to the Build-A-Bear Foundation for helping them begin the huge task of reducing the cat problem population in St. Lawrence County.