LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Staff at Louisville Metro Animal Services are faced with tough decisions each day.
When the shelter gets overcrowded, it looks to a list of dogs at-risk of being euthanized. It's our hope someone will see what makes them special and save these dogs from that fate.
Today's shelter star is Dora, a 5-year-old who's come a long way after a very difficult start to her life.
"She's a cute little russet potato," Chelsea Yonders, an LMAS volunteer said.
Dora's currently in a foster home after coming to LMAS a couple months ago. Yonders said it was a case of animal cruelty.
"The first months were rough. Very barrier reactive, meaning she would bark at the kennel," Yonders said. "She was very shy. So it took me a couple times to get her out and to warm up to me. She was just nervous. The shelter's loud, overwhelming. It's scary for them whenever they come in. They're here every second of the day."
Yonders said her foster family saved her life.
"She still loves a human, even though she's met not the greatest people," she said. "She still has reason to love someone. She's not afraid of people and comes with open arms. It just took sometime to get to know her and it's great."
Since making the move into a foster home Dora has blossomed. Yonders says she likes dog friends, but likes to have her space as well. Dora's crate trained and house trained, does well on a leash and is one lazy dog.
"Her energy level is very low," Yonders said. "She would love a snack and lay around and do nothing all day. Perfect candidate for just Netflix and chill."
Yonders said she's great with kids, but you may want to make the transition a slow one.
"She's very sweet with people. She's very loving. I mean, she'll give an occasional side eye but I think everybody does. She's the happiest little hippo," Yonders said.
Right now, Dora is in a foster home. The best way to meet her is to contact the foster coordinator by email at MASfoster@louisvilleky.gov.
If your home is already full of furry friends, here are three things you can do to help combat overcrowding at the shelter:
1. Make sure your pet's microchip information and collar is up to date.
2. Keep cats inside and keep dogs on a leash or within a secure fenced in area.
3. Spay and neuter your pets.