Shelter overloaded, free neutering offered during crucial time

GARDNERVILLE -- Rex, Cooper and Tanner are waiting patiently for a family to adopt them. Without some community help, the "boys" will die.

The Douglas County Animal Shelter is nearing full occupancy, and its volunteers, the Douglas Welfare Animal Group, are hoping to adopt out the doomed dogs.

Group President Diana Furness said the shelter had a "big miracle" on Tuesday when six of the dogs on death row were adopted. In addition, an anonymous couple made a hefty donation to the shelter to help board dogs if it becomes too full again.

The shelter will offer free spay-and-neuter services for adopted dogs during the crisis.

Owning a dog has a lot of positive affects, Furness said, "for companionship and unconditional love."

"The dogs don't care what you look like; how much you make. They get you out of the house, and they let you experience life," she said.

In addition, Furness said, a dog can help teach youngsters responsibility.

"A dog can't open cans" of its food, she said.

Many of the dogs were abandoned or are lost. Furness said it is important people identify their pets with tags. She also said if a dog escapes while the homeowner is on vacation, it is important the caregiver notify the shelter.

Cooper is a calm pit bull/Chesapeake mix who loves to swim and is housebroken. Jackson loves to play and walk. Tanner is smart and always ready to play.

Volunteers and foster families, which take in too-young or injured pets temporarily, are always welcome.

YOU CAN HELP

Call Douglas Welfare Animal Group President Diana Furness at 267-9824 to donate or for information about adopting a dog. Call the shelter at 782-9061.