HENDERSON, Ky. — At the Humane Society of Henderson County, Board President Kendra Strawn often plays with Love and Juliet.

The sisters were born in the shelter and call the facility home. But recently, Love and Juliet have had a lot of company—too much to maintain a sustainable and comfortable shelter for the dogs. 

What You Need To Know

  • The shelter has taken in 43 dogs

  • Donating is a good alternative fostering or adopting 

  • Overcrowding makes it difficult to assess the animals

  • Its encouraged to look at the dogs that are scared or look aggressive because a lot of the time when they walk out the door, that can change

Since the beginning of the year, the shelter has taken in 43 dogs—not their record, but a sizeable number considering the number of dogs they’d brought in prior to the new year. 

“We’re just seeing an increase of multiple dogs coming in together, which can have an impact of overcrowding,” Strawn said.

The overcrowding often makes it difficult to assess, and care for, the animals. 

“When you’re constantly taking in animals, it’s difficult to take the time to see who they really are,” she said.

Strawn notes that fostering a dog allows the animal to live a more full life—one that’s harder to provide in the shelter.

“[Fostering gives the dog] a better chance at living, having a loving home. They have time to decompress at a foster home,” Strawn said. “It’s not as loud, it’s not as scary, they’re not in a kennel six hours a day.” 

She encourages prospective pet parents to look at the dogs that are scared or look aggressive, because often when they walk out the door, that can quickly change. 

 “I think every animal deserves a chance, whether it’s a mixed breed or not,” she said. “We’ve had great dogs in all shapes, sizes and breeds.” 

For animal lovers who may not be able to foster a dog right now, Strawn says donating is a good alternative. 

Food donations, toys and cat litter are all welcome. You can also donate to help financially sponsor an adoption or sponsor an animal. 

“To take the financial burden off the shelters and to also help a family who, you know, maybe great owners, but upfront money may be a little bit of a problem currently,” Strawn said.  

Those looking to foster or adopt can stop by the shelter anytime Monday through Friday from 12 to 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

You can find more information and pictures of the animals, as well as foster applications, at the Humane Society’s website. 

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