Don't abandon your pet

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The owner of the four abandoned Monticello dogs, Patricia Willoughby, said she was on waiting lists at several shelters to take the dogs.

She said they were too full to accept her dogs. But some local rescue shelter owners say there are always options.

Tippecanoe County Exotic Animal Sanctuary Curator Mark Denhardt said it broke his heart when he heard the story on these four dogs.

"These are hard times and I know a lot of people are running into problems taking care of their animals. But you don't have to abandon them. It's not necessary," said Denhardt.

Denhardt and others want people who can't afford or care for their pets to know their options.

"If we can't personally help them, we can refer them to somebody who can help them with their animals," said Denhardt.

Tricia Davis, who owns Tricia's Dog House, a no-kill shelter in Lafayette that took in the abandoned dogs, agreed with Denhardt.

"There are a number of no-kill shelters in the area, and if we're full we'll always refer them to somebody else," said Tricia Davis. "They also have the option of putting an ad in the absolutely free column of the paper."

Neighbors came by to feed the abandoned dogs, but Davis said even with food and water, the dogs needed human attention.

Davis says because of neglect, the animals developed some ingrown nails that injured their paws. Aside from those injuries the dogs appear to be in okay physical shape, but that's before any medical tests.

"Our main concern is heartworm. We're having them tested tomorrow for that," said Davis.

Davis said the fact these dogs were outside for seven months is inexcusable. She says pet owners need to act quickly if faced with a pet surrender situation.

"If you find that you're going to be evicted then you need to take immediate action. Not, you know, abandon them on the day when you're, you know, moving," said Davis.

As for Willoughby, the dogs' owner, the Carroll County Sheriff's Department will file a report with the county prosecutor. The prosecutor will determine from that report if she will face any charges.

If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer take care of your pet, here are some options:

• Tricia's Dog House Lafayette, 765-742-6605
• Tricia's Dog House Delphi, 765-564-2949
• Natalie's 2nd Chance 765-742-2200
• Crystal Creek Kennels 765 497-3141
• Wildcat Wildlife Center 574-686-3069
• Tippecanoe County Exotic Animal Sanctuary 765-714-0855