Local shelters urge responsibility on National Puppy Day

BOWLING GREEN, KY.- It’s National Puppy Day! While these little guys are adorable, they are also a big responsibility.

Shelters across the region say puppies are often dumped or dropped off because owners underestimate the work it takes to care for them. Without proper vaccinations and nutrition, puppies can develop kennel cough or parvovirus, which can be deadly.

One local humane society explains what life is like on a daily basis.

“Into summer, we start to see large numbers of puppies coming in every single day: accidental litters, neighborhood dogs nobody was really caring for,” Leah Lawrence, adoption center manager at the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, said. “And then they realize they’ve had a litter of puppies. Of course, action has to be taken, and we’re here for those guys.”

Lawrence also notes that owners and breeders play a big role in the local animal population.

“Puppies are sweet and precious and adorable, and we all love them,” she said. “The problem is, there are just too many in this part of the country. We try to ask people to step up…spay or neuter, and be a responsible home for a puppy. You may not want to care for 20 puppies, which can happen in the blink of an eye.”

The Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society is offering a $25 adoption fee for anyone looking to give a puppy or dog a forever home.