Animals up, donation down at ARF

MOBILE, Ala. - A local animal shelter feels the economy is taking a bite out of pet adoptions. The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) said the number of dogs in need of shelter is up while donations are down.

From the looks of things its a typical day at the Animal Rescue Foundation. More dogs than homes and with the way the economy is going it's not expected to get any better anytime soon.

"People aren't in the market for a new dog," said Malori Evans. "Dogs come with expenses so no one is looking to tack on more expenses."

ARF's biggest expense is spaying and neutering the pets that do come to their door. While monetary donations are down, the number of dogs in need of shelter is up, and is higher than normal.

Evans said pet owners just can't afford to take care of 'Fido' anymore. "We're getting dogs that have been taken care of, they are healthy dogs," said Evans. "Owners just can't afford them anymore."

Dogs with health problems are showing up too, because people can't cover vet bills. All of ARF's kennels are full and the foster families have full loads too.

New dogs can arrive daily. The newest arrivals to ARF are black puppies, yet some dogs have been here for two years. Lacey, a cocker spaniel mix, is one of them.

Since she was a pup she's called the 'ARFanage' home, along with Bo and Luke to other mixed breeds. ARF officials fear with the current economy there's little hope these dogs will have a home of their very own.

ARF is a no kill shelter and said its biggest need is money. For more information, please call (251) 478-9743, or vist the ARF website.

There is a pet adoption this weekend at Bel Air Colonial Mall in Mobile, Saturday March 7, from 10-:00 a.m. until 3 p.m.