LOUISVILLE, Ky. — UPDATE: Elmo was adopted from LMAS on April 30, 2024 by a woman who drove up from Texas.
At Metro Animal Services, hundreds of adoptable dogs and cats are desperately waiting for their forever family. In fact, the overcrowding is so bad right now it is a matter of life or death. When space runs out, tough decisions have to be made.
In an effort to get more eyes on these incredible dogs, and help them find their families, WHAS11 is committed to featuring one every week. This week we introduce you to Elmo!
You wouldn't believe the 2-year-old German Shepherd mix, so full of love and smiles, was discovered abandoned in downtown Louisville earlier this year.
"He just kept running back to this corner fence post that had this filthy leash and harness tied to it. I mean there's no way to prove it for it for sure, but we're pretty sure he was left tied there,” LMAS foster parent Lauren Kasdan said.
It’s a heartbreaking story, and one that is all too common for the dogs at LMAS. But there is a light for these animals. It is the incredible foster parents like Kasdan, who work and go to school but still make time to take a care of a dog, who doesn't have a home.
"He's been with me quite a while and I'm shocked he hasn't had more inquiries because he's just awesome,” Kasdan said.
Kasdan describes Elmo as small in size but big in personality. He's crate trained, does well on a leash, knows basic commands and learns quick! He does great with dogs, would need a slow intro to cats and seems like all humans he meets.
"If the prompt were 'use one word to describe him’ I would say goofy because that's pretty much all he is. Even when he's doing commands, he does it goofy."
Kasdan thinks he would do great with an active family, who loves to hike or take long walks.
"He's just an awesome little sporty dog. He loves to run and play, but he'll also take a nap right on top of you on the couch. He's a good boy!"
She shared she is genuinely shocked he hasn't found his home.
"There's really just not enough good things I can say about him,” she said.
If your home is already full of furry friends, here's three things you can do to help combat overcrowding at the shelter.
Make sure your pet's microchip information and collar is up to date.
Keep cats inside and keep dogs on a leash or within a secure fenced area when outside.
Spay and neuter your pets.
You can see dogs available for adoption here.
LMAS Animal House Adoption Center is open every day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 3516 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY 40218.
So far on WHAS Shelter Stars, four dogs have been adopted.
Shay McAlister will be introducing you to a new dog every week in our WHAS Shelter Stars series. You can watch on WHAS11 News at 4 every Thursday.
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