Staff Report
Elmore Autauga News
The Elmore Humane Society has reported a large number of puppy intakes during the first nine days of 2025, highlighting a troubling start to the new year. The shelter has nearly doubled the number of puppies taken in compared to the same period in 2024. Most of these puppies, identified as large-breed mixes including Pit Bulls, Labradors, Shepherds, and Hounds, are arriving as “strays” or being dumped by owners.
“It’s heartbreaking to see so many puppies abandoned, left to fend for themselves or passed on to others to handle,” a representative from the shelter stated. “This surge reflects poorly on those who can so callously discard these vulnerable animals.”
With the dramatic increase in intakes, the shelter urgently needs puppy fosters to care for these young dogs. Most of the puppies are eating on their own but may require a mush mixture for the first few weeks. Fosters are typically asked to commit to a minimum of four weeks of care.
“We’re looking for fosters who can handle at least four or more puppies. It’s hard work, but incredibly rewarding,” the representative emphasized.
The shelter provides all necessary supplies, including food, crates, bowls, and blankets, and fosters will need to bring the puppies back to the shelter for deworming, vaccinations, and checkups.
If you live in the River Region area and are ready to make a difference, you can apply to become a foster via the shelter’s Foster Application. The Foster Manual is also available to help potential fosters understand the responsibilities and rewards of the role.
For more information, visit the Elmore Humane Society at 255 Central Plank Rd, Wetumpka, AL, or call (334) 567-3377.
Fostering provides puppies with a safe and nurturing environment to grow, socialize, and prepare for adoption. Without fosters, the shelter’s ability to care for these animals is severely limited.
“The need is urgent,” shelter staff said. “These puppies deserve a chance at a better life, and fosters are their lifeline.”
If you’re able to open your home and heart to a group of playful, loving puppies, now is the time to act. Every foster makes a difference.
