By Christine McCarthy
MEXIA- For the first time since opening four years ago, Limestone Animal Rescue and Adoption Shelter (LARAS) is not accepting new animals because the only non-profit no-kill shelter in the area is beyond capacity and running at an all-time financial low.
"What we need is just cash money to build more enclosures," said LARAS House President Liz Pinnell, who explained that tough economic times have resulted in far fewer donations, more abandoned animals and a tiny number of adoptions.
Nearly 80 dogs live in the main campus built for a maximum of 50, and other dogs are scattered in several temporary exercise pens that are covered to shade them from the triple-digit summer temperatures. Many fans and one air-conditioned room provide relief for the dogs who all have different - and often tragic - stories.
"We have a rat terrier mom with five puppies that were in a box on the side of the road. The puppies were one week old," Pinnell said. "We've had a dog that was shot. His two companions were killed, and he was left with a gaping hole in his side. We had a dog that was hit, left on the side of the road to die. He's with us. He walks with a limp but he's a great dog."
LARAS House has helped the rural community decrease their high number of stray animals over the years by caring for and adopting out the animals, but Pinnell says now having to reject dozens of animals every day is the hardest part of her job.
"They have no place to go, and, in a rural area like this, unfortunately they get dumped, or shot," Pinnell said.
Three steady volunteers and a few others lend their time seven days a week outside in all weather conditions and without any office space besides their cars. They're hoping, if enough donations pour in, they'll be able to provide more space for them to operate, too. Their main concern, however, is to build new pens and dog houses and eventually to create a dog park and a home for the many older dogs to live in the years before they die.
"This is the first time we've had to close our doors and it's hard because the public doesn't always understand," said an emotional Pinnell. "It's the worst feeling when people drive up with a carload of puppies and you have to say no because I know what's going to happen to them. They're going to die."
Pinnell said the dogs they currently care for are receiving excellent care and they have enough food and medical resources.
Several cats are currently in foster homes and the shelter is hoping to house them in a mobile room, too.
Adoptions require a fee of $80 and include shots, microchips and spay/neuter services. To make an inquiry about donations or adoptions, call LARAS House at 903-644-5275.
