Michelle Mann/mmanneprisenow.com SOS Shelter Manager Linda Guenther cuddles with shelter resident Lacey, an 8-week-old chihuahua-mix.
Thirty-five dogs and cats are currently in residence at the shelter. Eight adult dogs were turned in during January last year. Last month, 22 dogs were turned in. That’s what is happening at the SOS Animal Shelter, manager Linda Guenther said Friday. Total admissions to the no kill shelter in January 2008 were 15 dogs and four cats. “That’s including kittens and puppies as well as transfers and returns,” she said ”And including kittens, puppies, transfers and returns, that number this year was 32 dogs and 10 cats last month,” Guenther added. The economy is partly to blame, explained Marie Guenther, who recently turned over the shelter’s management reins to Linda Guenther. “Some people come in and say that it is tearing them up to give up their pet but they just cannot afford to feed them.” On the flip side, Guenther said, 17 dogs and five cats were adopted into forever homes last month. “We have a good turn-around at our shelter,” said Board of Directors President Bill Brooks. “Animals generally spend less than two weeks here.” While housed at the SOS, animals receive basic shots, worming, neutering, Brooks added, “and all the love we have to give.” The non-profit shelter receives no federal funds, Guenther said. “Any donation we receive is so appreciated.” The shelter was the recipient this week of a donation from the annual Rawls Ball Committee and the committee announced that the shelter will be the permanent charity for the annual fundraising ball. Brooks called the donation “a red-letter event for us,” adding that the donation will help with construction of additional pens and dog runs. “Every penny raised goes directly to the shelter for the care of the animals,” he said.