Wanted: loving homes the window

Collars rattling and tails wagging are common themes lately at the local Bloomington Animal Shelter. Celebrated annually, "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month is currently taking place with the aid of the Monroe County Humane Association and PETsMART.\nA sprightly basset hound nudging plastic chew toys, an inquisitive beagle stretching for affection and a scruffy collie spaniel named Houdini are among many of the dogs available for adoption.\nThe organizations are offering dog food, bowls, toys and a free grooming coupon to anyone adopting a dog. Included in this package is a Halloween bandanna and the chance to win a free spay or neuter.\nThe goal of the effort is to "raise awareness for those considering adding an animal into their family about lovable dogs needing good homes," said Laurie Ringquist, Director of Animal Care and Control. It is similar to an effort made on behalf of cats in June. \nThe nonprofit shelter offers approximately 20 dogs daily, with varieties of sizes and breeds to choose from. It receives dogs from primarily from Monroe County. \n"About 15 percent (of dogs) come from surrounding counties," said Erica DeSantis, director of the Monroe County Humane Association.\nAlthough the Bloomington shelter does not have a set time limit for putting animals to sleep, nationally nearly 5 million cats and dogs are killed each year -- the majority of which are in shelters, according to PETsMART's Web site. This statistic points to demand for increased adoption. \n"As long as there is space we will hold on to the dog as long as we can," Ringquist said. \nAdopting a dog will cost from $20 to $40, depending on if the dog has been spayed or neutered. Subsequent costs typically include food and veterinarian bills. A checkup and shots can range from $40 to $60.\nSome potential adopters have fears about the safety of getting a dog from the shelter.\n"I would be concerned about the behavior of the dog, since I would not know its history," freshman Mike Mullen said.\nHowever, the shelter makes efforts to ensure that temperamental dogs are not offered for adoption. Many of the dogs available are found as strays, rather than brought in as unmanageable or aggressive. Some families simply cannot financially support the animals anymore and are forced to give them away.\n"We are hoping that more people come out and give these dogs a second chance," DeSantis said.\nWith extra incentives to do so, 15 people have adopted pets already this month. One family has already received a free spay/neuter. This is a wonderful financial benefit for families whose money is tight, DeSantis said.\nAnyone interested in adopting a dog can view available animals on the Monroe County Humane Association's weekly updated Web site (www.monroehumane.org). Also, the shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday, and is located at 3410 Old S.R. 37 South. \n-- Contact staff writer Tim Callahan at tmcallah@indiana.edu.