OTTUMWA – The Heartland Humane Society celebrated the success of the Ottumwa Community School District’s “Dusty’s Big Dog Challenge” this week.

The Ottumwa-based animal shelter says that they received more than $25,000 in donations during the fundraising event, which began in February in honor of Ottumwa superintendent Mike McGrory’s late dog Dusty. 

The district-wide campaign sought to collect enough food and essential supplies to support the animal shelter for an entire year; the Heartland Humane Society says that it accomplished that goal, in addition to the money raised from donations, and that 140 animals were adopted into loving homes during the campaign.

Yesterday, the Heartland Humane Society presented McGrory with a plaque recognizing his role in the campaign.