CANBY — Deb Nefstead and Carmen Ronan are best friends, almost like sisters. And their love of animals brings them closer together.

The two women started the Yellow Medicine County Humane Society back in 1993 and continue to be active members. The animals are kept at the Canby Vet Clinic.

“We’ve been running this a long time,” Ronan said.

Ronan said the YMC Humane Society started with one dog.

“In Canby, there was a dog that was very, very, very emaciated, and trying to get somebody to take the responsibility...” Ronan said.

The city wanted something done, Nefstead said.

“So the dog wouldn’t die,” Ronan said.

The local vet, Dr. Lee Nefstead, checked over the dog.

“That’s when Deb and I got involved,” Ronan said.

The women had an open house for anyone who wanted to get involved.

“Or if anyone had major concerns,” Nefstead said.