SANDPOINT —  Dwindling grants and donations forced the Bonner Humane Society to close its doors last week, but society officials are hoping the generosity of a neighbor will kick start a movement to resurrect the clinic.

The organization, which offered discounted rates for spay, neuter and vaccination services, closed last Thursday after serving the area for more than 20 years.

Velta Ashbrook, who serves as secretary for the society’s board of directors, said $50,000 would get the society back on its feet through 2009.

Ashbrook said she is “gung ho” about raising the money, and she hopes a novel idea put forward by one of her neighbors will get the process moving.

“A neighbor is very concerned about us closing and she issued a challenge,” Ashbrook said. “She said she’ll write a check for $1,000 if we can get 49 more people to do the same.”

Although the neighbor wishes to remain anonymous, she said her generosity stems from a desire to maintain one of the area’s most essential organizations.

“The clinic has an excellent vet who gives good service for a reasonable price,” she said. “Without this clinic there would be a great increase in the number of stay animals, feral cats and unwanted puppies and kittens that the community would have to deal with.”

Since the neighbor announced the money-raising challenge, one other resident as stepped forward with a $1,000 pledge, and Ashbrook hopes as more people learn about the closure, more will open up their pocketbooks.

Ashbrook realizes not everyone can afford to pledge $1,000, and she said any contribution would be welcome.

To contribute to the humane society, send checks to Bonner Humane Society at 900 Westwood Drive, Sandpoint, Id 83864. To learn more about how you can help, leave a message at 263-9282 and a Humane Society representative will get back to you.