One of the Services Contracted by City Weber Sentinel, March 4, 2005 It's raining pets at local animal shelters By Terrie L. Stephenson Correspondent Pets are in desperate need of homes, say the directors of both the Ogden City and Weber County Animal Shelters say Casey Butcher, the Adoption Specialist at the Ogden Shelter, said more than 7,000 animals came through the doors there in 2004. Only 1,162 of those animals were adopted. A small amount of animals were reclaimed by owners. Most have to be euthanized, although this is traumatic to the workers at the shelters who try so hard to help each animal find a home. There are always dogs and cats available, both small and large breeds. Butcher said many people want small breeds of dogs, but she said the larger breeds also make wonderful pets. She almost always has Labradors on hand for adoption. People can also often find pets other than dogs or cats at their local shelters, such as ferrets and even goats. Ron Willis, who is the facility manager at the Weber County Shelter, said in addition to the smaller animals they also get livestock through their shelter. If these are not claimed they will be sold at auction. More than 2,000 animals came through the Weber County shelter last year. Willis said only 15 to 20 percent of the cats and dogs at their shelter are adopted. He said they hold animals as long as they possibly can, searching for homes for them. Shelter workers will even make calls to try to locate homes for animals. Both shelters have reasonable fees for adopting a pet, which includes spay or neuter, vaccinations and a micro chip which helps locate owners if the animal were ever lost. Fees run about $60 for a sterilized cat or dog. Willis said he is grateful to local vets who donate both time and supplies. They are currently helping one dog with a head injury that includes a broken nose. The Ogden Animal Shelter has a mascot named Woogie, who is missing. They fear Woogie has been stolen, and they would love to see him returned. He is a white cat with tabby patches. The Ogden Shelter is located at 490 Park Blvd. The Weber County Shelter is located at the Weber County Fairgrounds. Workers at both animal shelters said they would be grateful to not see any more homeless animals and that spaying and neutering pets is the answer to the ever growing problem of animals without homes. You can call Weber County Animal Shelter at 399-8244 or the Ogden City Animal Shelter at 629-8244. You can also visit www.petharbor.com to search nationally or go see pets available through to www.petfinder.com to rescue groups. Casey Butcher, Ogden City Animal Shelter adoption specialist, holds one of the many dogs available for adoption.