Area dogs headed east to begin a new life

Shelter Manager Katie Brown hugs Hannah one last time before the rescue van from the Putnam County Humane Society heads to the East Coast where hopeful adoptive families are waiting for the animals.

Earlier this week, volunteers at the Humane Society of Putnam County loaded a rental van with dog cages, blankets and supplies.

Then, one by one, 17 dogs were placed into cages. The dogs are headed to New Hampshire and Massachusetts and hopefully to new homes with loving families.

The rescue mission is the fifth one for van driver Brad Bohmer who is a board member of the facility as well as a volunteer.

The 1,000-mile journey takes 18 hours with a few stops for dog walks, food and fuel. Once the animals arrive they will be available for adoption to families.

"When the dogs get to their destination and the shelter people advertise they are coming, people line up out the doors to find a dog to adopt," reported Shelter Manager Katie Brown.

"There are few stray animals available for adoption from shelters on the East Coast because of strict spay and neuter laws. So, rescue missions like this one have people lining up to adopt the animals we send," added Brown.

Sponsored by the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity at DePauw University, this trip is extremely important because the shelter board has announced the temporary closing of the facility in August.

Bohmer has made four previous trips driving alone with dogs. This time he has the help of shelter volunteer Mark Sadler.

After this trip, there will be about 37 dogs left at the Shelter.

All are looking for homes before the closing of the facility due to financial issues.

Those who are not adopted will go to foster homes until families become available for them.

"Much negotiation takes place between the shelters before a trip like this can happen," said Brown. "They won't take any hounds or pits and look for certain types of dogs. It takes weeks and weeks before we agree on what dogs can be sent," she added.

Volunteer Amy Martin gives Sheba a hug goodbye. The dog is one of 17 headed to the east coast from the Putnam County Humane Society as part of a rescue mission.

Statistics show that only one in 600 pits get adopted from shelters across the country.

Cats are not so lucky in the adoption process.

This time of year, they are not included in the rescue mission.

Adoption of cats seems to be somewhat seasonal Brown told the Banner Graphic.

"People tend to want dogs in the spring and summer and cats in the fall and winter. I think a lot of it has to do with training them," said Brown.

There are still plenty of animals looking for homes at the shelter that is open Tuesday through Sunday noon-5 pm and other hours by appointment.