We have been seeing many signs around town recently, “German Shepherd Puppies for Sale,” “Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale,” and from our perspective it’s just sad. We have so many AMAZING shepherds, huskies, labs, Chihuahuas, beagles and more at the shelter right now.
Do people purchase these dogs as puppies from breeders and surrender them once they realize too late that the breed isn’t right for their household? Probably.
So, let’s just look at the amazing dogs we have at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and what their breeds are known for:
Sierra and Nova are two of the many huskies we have received lately. We had four huskies brought in last week. These dogs are wonderful, smart and are known for being explorers. They are sweet and lovable dogs, but they are known to be working dogs. Now you don’t need a sled to pull, but they do need training, exercise and mental stimulation.
The shelter takes in countless Chihuahuas, and they make amazing companions! Many people needing service dogs want Chihuahuas because they bond so quickly and like to be close. They are very protective of their families and their home so not always best for an active home with children running around. But again, that depends on each dog.
Check out our shepherds; lately, they just keep pouring in! Chamoy is incredible! When she arrived, we noticed right away that she knew commands such as “sit,” “shake” and “stay.” She is super smart, stunning but was found as a stray. This is happening more and more. Record numbers of gorgeous young German Shepherds are coming to the shelter as stray dogs. If you want a German Shepherd, do your research on the breed before you get them – and please don’t purchase a puppy. Adopt from a shelter and save a life.
Recently there was a tent on Whiskey Road selling Labrador retriever pups. Seeing this is heartbreaking as we walk by sweet dogs like Chip. This chocolate-colored, housetrained, sweet boy is sitting waiting for a home. He is stellar with other dogs and home ready!
Puppies, Puppies, Puppies. If you want a puppy, you won’t get a better deal than ours. Thirty-five dollars for a puppy with a microchip, spayed/neutered and vaccinated. We have so many right now! Brown, black, white…big, small…all CUTE!
The bottom line is this: we are full and have just about every kind of dog to fit your needs and lifestyle. Please adopt, don’t shop. Do not encourage breeders when the County Shelter has more than 4,000 homeless animals coming through the shelter each year.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator
By the Numbers: The Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 127 stray and surrendered animals from June 1 to 12. The shelter is over capacity and in desperate need of fosters and adopters.
