MONROE - The troubled economy is causing problems for pets, as well as their owners.
The Green County Humane Society has seen an increase in the number of dogs found throughout the county and brought to the shelter in the past couple of months, shelter director Tonya Kelly said.
"We've seen mostly older dogs," she said.
Kelly speculates owners have trouble providing care and food for their dogs and drop them outdoors, expecting them to fend for themselves or be picked up and taken to the shelter.
"It's difficult for the dogs," she said. "They don't understand what's going on and when they get here they're scared."
The dogs warm up to shelter employees once they realize the staff will give them food and take care of them. The dogs are social, because they're used to being around people, Kelly said.
Kelly said she's worried the shelter will see more abandoned dogs as the economy continues to worsen.
The shelter has about 60 dogs and 145 cats. The cost to adopt a dog is $98. Adult cats are available for a donation of $25 or more and kittens under 12-months-old are available for $63.
The shelter also allows people to foster animals in its foster program.
The shelter provides all veterinary care for the animal while it's in the foster care program. The GCHS also provides the first 5-pound bag of dog or cat food to the foster family. Foster families then have to provide food for the animal.
Foster families can keep the animals as long as they want and must bring the animals back if someone wants to look at them. However, the foster family gets first choice if they want to adopt the animal.
Potential foster care providers must have proof of current vaccinations for animals living in the home and two references. A landlord approval also is needed if the foster provider rents housing.
More information about the program and the animals at the shelter is available by calling 325-9600. The shelter is located at 1500 Sixth Ave. in Monroe. The shelter is open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. It is closed Monday, Wednesday and holidays.
The Green County Humane Society has seen an increase in the number of dogs found throughout the county and brought to the shelter in the past couple of months, shelter director Tonya Kelly said.
"We've seen mostly older dogs," she said.
Kelly speculates owners have trouble providing care and food for their dogs and drop them outdoors, expecting them to fend for themselves or be picked up and taken to the shelter.
"It's difficult for the dogs," she said. "They don't understand what's going on and when they get here they're scared."
The dogs warm up to shelter employees once they realize the staff will give them food and take care of them. The dogs are social, because they're used to being around people, Kelly said.
Kelly said she's worried the shelter will see more abandoned dogs as the economy continues to worsen.
The shelter has about 60 dogs and 145 cats. The cost to adopt a dog is $98. Adult cats are available for a donation of $25 or more and kittens under 12-months-old are available for $63.
The shelter also allows people to foster animals in its foster program.
The shelter provides all veterinary care for the animal while it's in the foster care program. The GCHS also provides the first 5-pound bag of dog or cat food to the foster family. Foster families then have to provide food for the animal.
Foster families can keep the animals as long as they want and must bring the animals back if someone wants to look at them. However, the foster family gets first choice if they want to adopt the animal.
Potential foster care providers must have proof of current vaccinations for animals living in the home and two references. A landlord approval also is needed if the foster provider rents housing.
More information about the program and the animals at the shelter is available by calling 325-9600. The shelter is located at 1500 Sixth Ave. in Monroe. The shelter is open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. It is closed Monday, Wednesday and holidays.