The Butler County Humane Society deserves praise for the financial-recovery efforts that have allowed it to escape having to permanently close its doors.

Six months after the organization was in financial crisis, the society has provided an upbeat report that should be welcomed by all county residents, whether or not they are pet owners. Meanwhile, residents should consider supporting the society financially or by way of volunteer service, and also consider adopting an animal.

The number to call is 724-789-1150.

The initial steps that helped the society return to an upbeat existence included layoffs and cutting back shelter hours. During the summer, the shelter held a successful membership drive and then implemented new fund-raising initiatives, including a Phantom Ball in October and a cookbook sale at Christmas.

Also around the holidays, society representatives promoted animal adoptions and sought donations outside the Boscov's department store at the Clearview Mall.

Because of its half-year of hard work and financial successes, the society has been able to return to a full staff and full workweek. Meanwhile, the society has rebuilt its image in the aftermath of several lawsuits, two of them over how the organization seized animals.

These are better times for the society, but caution must remain in play to ensure that no negative turnaround is allowed to again gain a foothold.