The society's “Clear the Shelters” adoption event takes place Saturday, Aug. 24 from noon to 5 p.m.
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — When 5-year old Luciano, a white-and-black terrier-pit bull mix, walked into the conference room of the Humane Society for Hamilton County, he immediately sat in a chair.
Just one of the many tricks he's been trained to do before he was surrendered.
“We have already started to notice his decline of weight loss, so we want to get him into a home,” said Gina Smola, director of operations at the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
Luciano is among more than 600 other dogs and cats currently at the shelter.
For the last two years, the no-kill shelter has constantly been at capacity with animals they take in often on a daily basis.
Now, the situation is turning dire as animals eagerly await their chance to be taken to their forever home.
Staff tells 13News nine dogs are just weeks — or even days — away from being euthanized.
“What we're seeing for the very first time in a very long time are adoptable dogs that are emotionally and physically disintegrating in front of us on a daily basis,” said Rebecca Stevens, CEO and president of the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
Stevens said that some animals are at the greatest risk going through depression, losing weight, and not eating.
“They're not fine. And I've got three dogs that have already had to be humanely euthanized because it was no longer a good quality of life for them. And this is killing my staff and this is really taking a toll,” said Stevens.
An emotional rollercoaster for these adoptable pets as staff feels many of them are running out of time.
Smola said his eyes tell his story.
“I see love and I see forgiveness. These dogs have been through a lot,” said Smola.
But they still greet each day with hope.
“We're all hopeful that this isn't the place is their last stop. Lots of hope for him,” said Smola.
The society's “Clear the Shelters” adoption event takes place Saturday, Aug. 24 from noon to 5 p.m.
Adult dogs and cats are $10 and kittens are $50.
All adoptions include a free one-month supply of preventatives, spay/neuter, a microchip, age-appropriate vaccines, a starter bag of food and wellness exam at a participating veterinarian.
The first 50 families who walk through the door will receive a free goodie bag.
You can fill out an online adoption application here.
