CASSOPOLIS — The typically calm and serene office of Kemner Iott Benz Insurance Agency was alive with the sounds of dogs wagging their tails and employees cooing at the furry visitors.

Several employees brought their dogs into the office to witness an act of giving.

Throughout the month of October, the insurance agency raised money and donations to give to Cass County Animal Control, which they presented to animal control representatives Thursday. The full donation included several bags of dog and cat food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, animal beds and blankets and a small monetary donation.

“Every year around this time, we adopt some sort or agency or cause to donate money or food to,” said Charlie Retherford, a Kemner Iott Benz Insurance Agency employee who handles the donations collections. “This year, because so many of us have shelter dogs, we thought that the Cass County Animal Shelter would be a perfect place for us donate money to and just items that the shelter was in need of.”

The insurance agency collected the money by hosting jean days every Friday in the month of October. To wear jeans to the office on those days, employees had to donate an item, such as dog or cat food or give money to the donation collection.

Retherford’s inspiration to give to animal control comes from her own dog, Clive. Clive was adopted from Cass County Animal Control four years ago. Retherford calls Clive “the love of her life.”

“It was such a strange thing [adopting Clive],” Retherford said. “It was one of those things I just went into the shelter on a random Wednesday afternoon and the woman working showed me Clive and I fell in love instantly.”

After her positive experience adopting Clive, Retherford said she realized the importance of adopting and supporting local animal shelters.

“There are so many animals in our world today that are not wanted or that are mistreated and abused,” Retherford said. “If we can save a dog like Clive, who is just an amazing dog, that’s amazing. It’s a heartless situation that so many dogs are in with no one to take care of them. So, it’s just important to take care of animals the same way we take care of people.”

For those who work at Cass County Animal Control, the donation from Kemner Iott Benz Insurance agency was a surprise, though a welcome one.

Director of Cass County Animal Control Ronald Butts said that when he first received the call about the donation, he assumed that the insurance agency was calling him about some kind of claim, as he personally is a customer of Kemner Iott Benz Insurance.

“I never expected this kind of donation fundraiser from my own insurance agency,” Butts said. “It’s just wonderful.”

Though the animal shelter operates on a budget, contributions from the community like the one from Kemner Iott Benz can help the organization.

“It gives us that extra push,” Butts said of community donations. “With the extra supplies and donations, we can give our animals an extra edge to get them placed in their forever homes and make them more comfortable as they wait.”

Retherford said she was glad that Kemner Iott Benz Insurance was able to make a difference in the community, and that the agency plans to continue supporting local causes through similar fundraising efforts.

“We are part of this community. We want to support this community. We live here. We have kids and grandkids,” Retherford said. “We just think it’s the right thing to do. A lot of kids support us and we just think this is a fun way to give back.”