The taste of spring brought another wave of stray dogs into the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, which has been scrambling to care for high numbers of pets in recent months.
“That one was loose. That one was loose,” said executive director Misha Anderson, as she counted five crates of puppies or dogs in the lobby.
A puppy splashed her paw in a bowl of water inside her crate as visitors arrived to look at the animals. Just over 200 cats and nearly 60 dogs were being housed and even two lionhead rabbits had been surrendered just in time for the new 4-H season.
The shelter issued a plea for adoptions just before Christmas, when there was no more space for dogs and cats. The waiting list doesn’t keep crates empty for long. Another 30 cats and 10 to 15 dogs are in line to be surrendered.
“It seems like it’s digging the same hole over and over,” Anderson said.
And with kitten season around the corner, the shelter is in need of higher-quality cat and kitten food over the next several months.
The shelter will raise money this weekend during a Mardi Gras-themed event at Stone Creek Lodge.
“Mardi Pawz” kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday with a Louisiana-style dinner served by Juniper Spoon. Supporters can bid on sporting event tickets, a recliner chair donated by Town and Country Homecenter and other items.
Entertainment includes an aerialist, caricaturist and a brass band.
Tickets are $50 and should be purchased in advance at the shelter, 1104 Big Four Arch Road.
T-shirts are also for sale at the shelter for $20 each.
Last year’s fundraiser brought in about $4,000. For more information about the Animal Welfare League, call 765-362-8846 or find the shelter on Facebook.
