Thirty-one of the 40 dogs initially slated for death at the Kanawha Charleston Animal Association have been cleared for adoption and have new homes this holiday.
Donna Clark, the Executive Director at the shelter, says last week’s distemper discovery shook up everyone. But so far, they’ve only had to euthanize 4 adult dogs and 4 puppies. The shelter still has 13 dogs that are quarantined.
“They look good so far. But you never know from day to day what might happen,” according to Clark. That’s why those animals won’t be up for adoption for another week or so until the shelter is sure they’re not at risk for distemper.
Meanwhile, there are 9 dogs left who need immediate homes and have been cleared by veterinarians. They range from a one-year-old female hound mix to an 11-year-old male lab/pit bull mix.
“You know one that really needs a home is the 11-year-old. It’s been here since October,” says Clark.
To take a look at the 9 dogs in need of a home, you can log on to the Kanawha Charleston Animal Association Facebook page. You can see a picture and find out more about the animal.
Clark says folks have come from far and wide to adopt the dogs that were in need.
“We had somebody from Morgantown the 24th come down to adopt. They had seen it on Facebook,” explained Clark.
Before you decide to adopt one of these dogs, Clark says there’s one person you really should consult.
“People need to remember, if you’re coming to adopt one of these dogs, you do sign a waiver. And if you have animals at home, you need to call your vet. Make sure your dogs are up to date on their vaccines and talk to your vet about it. Make sure that they’re alright with you coming and getting one of these dogs and exposing one of your dogs at home.”
There are more than a dozen other dogs brought to the shelter after the discovery of the distemper outbreak that are being held in a separate room. Those animals need homes as well and are ready for adoption.