By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
Puppies of just about every size, color and temperament — but all of them cute — are waiting for adoption at the Humane Society of Escambia County.
In fact, more than 100 puppies are in need of homes — a significant increase, Humane Society director Renee Jones said.
The economy is likely to blame for the increase, at least in part, Jones said.
Shelters across the country are seeing an increase in their intake at the same time they are seeing a decrease in adoptions, Jones said.
Humane Society staff members take pets to PetSmart in Pensacola  every two weeks to try to adopt them out. While that program has been successful, Jones said even those adoptions have fallen off somewhat.
The shelter also has transported animals to a larger shelter in Florida in the past, but that shelter is also overwhelmed with intakes of pets.
Jones said she only wants families who are ready to welcome a pet into their home to adopt, but she also said the shelter needs donations. Among the highest needs are pet food — especially puppy food right now — and clean plastic bottles with screw tops.
All of the puppies at the shelter are vaccinated and microchipped. The adoption cost is $100, which includes a spay or neuter.
Open kennel hours are noon to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 251-867-6860 or log onto Petfinder.com and search by shelter using zip code 36426.