Springfield, Mass. (WGGB) — A local animal shelter is overflowing with dogs and is in desperate need of your help.
The Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center in Springfield has 40 dogs ready for new owners, however that number could double in just a few days.
Their numbers have spiked earlier than ever before because of the warm weather.
Most of the 40 four legged friends are lap dogs under 2 or 3 years old.
Executive Director Pam Peebles is calling on the community to help empty these cages before it gets worse, “It seems like once spring truly hits we’re heading into warm months our numbers sky rocket. Right now we are going up 100 a month and that will continue through the summer.”
Adopting a dog from the shelter costs $175.00 and the dog goes home spayed or neutered, vaccinated for their age, micro chipped, and comes with a collar and a leash.
“Besides the 40 dogs that are already up for adoption there are more than a hundred dogs in cages like these still waiting their ten day waiting period until they could possibly be up for adoption as well,” adds Peebles.
If your animal is missing, Peebles says give them a call regardless of what town you are from and they can take a full lost report. If you send them a picture they can also steer you in the right direction where else to check.
During the warm weather more dogs are outside and likely to get away if left alone for too long.
Peebles says responsible pet ownership can help reduce the amount of dogs coming into the shelter, “It’s a time to think about a five dollar leash, a five dollar rabies vaccination, a tag on your animal… just a few things can really go toward keeping them home and safe.”
So if you’re looking for an old furry friend, or a new one, TJ O’Connor could be the place to start.
awww that’s Sun in the photo! She is the sweetest dog ever! I hope someone see’s her cute face and comes in to meet her. She has some medical issues and will need to be on special medications for the rest of her life (approx $30 a month). If I wasn’t already at my animal quota Sun would be living permanently with us! (my profile pic is me and sun at the Holyoke St.Patrick’s Parade walking with TJO)
Is there any pups?
Wish I could help I live in Fl
you can help in Florida. There is a HUGE problem over there with discarded dogs!
If it wasn’t that I have 2 already and my apartment is small, I would’ve adopt couple. I wish I could have my own house with a big yard.
For $175 I can see why they are overcrowded. Perhaps maybe they can find a way to lower that seeing how times are hard for people to afford pets
Brian, I understand your reservation about the $175 fee and I encourage you to see it as an incredible value and investment. TJO provides a spay/neuter, a microchip and all the essential vaccinations. Going to a vet this would easily be over $350! Owning a dog is an investment and a responsibility and a commitment. TJO helps people start out the right way.
People pay thousands for designer dogs. 175 is nothing!!
brian, $175 too much? really? dakin charges about double that! they come fixed, up to date with shots,etc. all set ready to go! if u cant afford that, then maybe u shouldn’t be getting a dog…nikki i soo agree with u! and people get dogs off cl, u spend more than that for all u get from tjo!
Defenitely going, I have 2 girls that want a dog hopefully they have a good dog for me.
175.00 for a dog that is fixed with shots is very reasonable. It costs that for the first vet visit and shots. You get much more then that for the fee.
dog is fine meal !!1
I know about the fee. Question. What is the policy if you rent? My landlord is okay with me adopting. I don’t see any adoption process on their Facebook page or on the website.
These r bu
S. funny they say “…if ur dog is missing…” cuz they took my 2 cats, owing collars/tags and adopted them out after 3 days! I checked q them after about a week and they refused to even contact the new owners to tell them and see if they would consider giving them back. I would have paid them back personally. These people r scum…..
1 would love to adopt one of the dogs any pups