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S.A.V.E. Center facing overcrowding

January 19, 2011|By Laura Butler | lbutler@jessaminejournal.com

Photo by Laura Butler

The problem is simple, Jessamine County S.A.V.E. Center Director Jenise Smith said. The center is overcrowded with dogs and needs to find rescuers or adoptive families for some or it will have to resort to euthanizing the animals to help alleviate the overcrowding.

Smith sent out a mass e-mail last week pleading for help. And unfortunately, the problem is not too uncommon for the shelter, especially during the winter months right after Christmas, Smith said. Dogs are popular Christmas gifts, but after the holidays are over and the weather gets colder, Smith said she gets fewer knocks on the shelter’s door.

The e-mail did the trick, though, and the shelter placed several dogs and puppies with families the following day. But Smith said she may easily have the same problem in just a few days. As soon as a few dogs get a home, someone will come in with a litter of puppies or another dog.

“We have to take all the dogs and cats of Jessamine County,” Smith said. “They come from animal control, owner surrenders and strays.”

Smith and her volunteers try to work with the owners wishing to surrender their animals to help them keep the pet, whether that’s by assisting with training or providing extra food if money is an issue.

In February, the center will be collaborating resources with local veterinarians in the area to promote National Spay Day. S.A.V.E. will be selling vouchers to help families spay and neuter their pets for a discounted fee in an attempt to prevent litters of puppies and kittens people don’t want or can’t afford to take care of.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the shelter had 76 dogs and about 50 cats, volunteer Nicole King said.
“If you’re thinking about adopting, now is the time,” Smith said.

Adoptions for dogs cost an owner $90, and cat adoptions are $80. The fee pays for the animal to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, de-wormed and treated for common illnesses. The money also covers a microchip for the pet, which helps track lost animals.

Private groups can fill out an application to rescue dogs or cats, meaning someone can take the animals into their homes or shelters and foster them before placing them up for adoption in other areas.

If individuals want to help out the S.A.V.E. Center but can’t take an animal into their homes, they can still assist in other ways, Smith said. The shelter needs volunteers to walk the dogs, donations of supplies, including canned food, kitty litter, and bleach for cleaning. Monetary donations are also a good option and can help others adopt an animal at a reduced cost.

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