Shelters filling up as Gulf pet owners struggle

July 16, 2010 By: kwilliams Category: News with a bite, The Dog House

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

VIOLET, La. — Double-bunked behind the bars at the overrun St. Bernard Animal Shelter are more victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill: shiny-coated Labrador retrievers, long-haired Chihuahuas and a fluffy Shih Tzu.

Among the more typical skinny, stray mutts are healthy, seemingly well-tended dogs whose owners, because of the massive spill, suddenly don’t have the time or money to keep them.

“It’s the economy, the uncertainty of the future, for sure,” said shelter director Beth Brewster, who saw 117 owners surrender their animals last month — up from 17 in June 2009. (more…)

  • Adopt a Pet

    Wendall is a male, tricolor terrier mix puppy that was found running through traffic on Main Street in downtown North Little Rock.

    Had he not been picked up, his outcome would not have been so happy. He is about 3 months old.

    He resides with 3 cats and 2 dogs. He tries to be the "big" dog but is really a scaredy cat. He is very well-behaved for a puppy but does love to run around and play with others. He loves to nap in a lap and sleeps in a crate at night.

    He is in potty training. He does great in a secure fence with other dogs around. He is very loyal, is learning to walk on a leash and is always a couple steps behind you.

    He looks like the dog in the movie "Because of Winn Dixie." The dog is a Picardy Shepard, so Wendall may be a a rare, little street treasure.

    He is up-to-date on shots and will be neutered.

    For more information or to adopt, please contact Hayden Allred (501) 416-8983 at hlf06208@yahoo.com.

    For an Out of the Woods adoption application, please click here.