Lexington, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Paws 4 the Cause, a local animal shelter, is seeking assistance after rescuing two dogs suffering from malnourishment and neglect. The dogs, found by a good Samaritan in Manchester, need foster homes and donations for their recovery. The shelter is currently at capacity due to rising surrender calls and is urging the community to support their efforts through fostering, donations, or volunteering. Available pets like Marty, a one-eyed hound, are also in need of loving homes.
Lexington — A local animal shelter is calling for assistance after two dogs were rescued from serious neglect and malnourishment in the Manchester area this past weekend. The dire situation came to light when a good Samaritan discovered a doodle and a puppy near her driveway on a Sunday night, seemingly abandoned and starving.
The dogs had been living on their own for an extended period, causing severe malnutrition. Upon examination, the doodle was taken to a groomer where staff found a piece of metal attached to a bologna casing lodged in its tooth. The grooming process revealed the dog’s true condition, leading to both dogs undergoing immediate care. The groomer shaved the doodle and safely removed the metal piece, allowing them to begin their recovery.
Paws 4 the Cause, the shelter responsible for the rescue, is actively seeking a foster home for both dogs in the Lexington or Georgetown areas. The shelter is not only looking for foster families but is also accepting donations to help cover the costs associated with the dogs’ care. A donation link can be found on Paws 4 the Cause’s Facebook page, encouraging community support in providing for these animals.
The situation underscores the increasing strain on local animal shelters. Rising costs have led to more pet surrenders, with the local shelter recently experiencing an overwhelming surge of over 25 surrender calls in a single day. Currently, the shelter is at capacity, unable to accommodate additional pets without the support of the community.
Anita Spreitzer, the general manager of Paws 4 the Cause, highlighted the unprecedented demand for animal surrender services. The financial burden of pet care, particularly spaying and neutering, has proved daunting for many families in the Lexington area, where costs can reach approximately $600, making it unaffordable for some. This situation has led to an increase in the surrender of larger dogs that often take longer to rehome and incur higher care costs.
Paws 4 the Cause is also showcasing available pets for adoption, including a one-eyed hound named Marty. Marty, once malnourished but now playful and well-behaved, stands poised to find a loving home. The shelter encourages advocacy for affordable pet care, urging potential adopters and supporters to consider donations or volunteering as a means to alleviate the challenges faced by local facilities.
The plight of the two rescued dogs highlights the broader issues within the pet care landscape, multiple shelters facing increasing demands for their services in the community. Engaging in supportive actions, such as fostering or donating, is vital to helping animals in need and reducing the burden on these essential organizations.
FAQs
Why were the two dogs in such poor condition?
The two dogs were found near a driveway in the Manchester area, having likely been abandoned and living on their own for an extended period, resulting in severe malnutrition.
How can people help the rescued dogs?
People can assist by providing foster homes, making donations, or volunteering at local shelters. Donations can be made through the Paws 4 the Cause Facebook page to cover the costs of care.
What are the current challenges faced by local animal shelters?
Local animal shelters are facing rising costs which have resulted in an increase in pet surrenders. The financial burden of spaying and neutering, as well as high care costs for larger dogs, has added to these challenges.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rescued Dogs | Two dogs (a doodle and a puppy) found malnourished and abandoned. |
| Paw 4 the Cause | Requesting foster homes and donations to aid in dog care. |
| Community Support | Encouragement for public involvement through fostering, donations, and volunteering. |
| Adoption Opportunities | Available pets like the one-eyed hound named Marty for adoption. |
| Shelter Capacity | Facing an unprecedented number of surrender calls and currently at capacity. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Faces Severe Animal Overcapacity Crisis
Family and Five Dogs Escape Late-Night Fire in Lexington
Lexington’s Ongoing Animal Cruelty Investigations Raise Concerns
Tragic Discovery in Lexington: Missing Woman and Neglected Animals
Bella the Rescued Dog Thrives After Neglect in Lexington
Urgent Dog Hoarding Case Emerges in Central Kentucky
Severe Weather and Flooding in Kentucky Claims 14 Lives
Severe Flooding in Kentucky Claims 14 Lives
Two Individuals Sentenced for Animal Cruelty in Lexington
Heartwarming Rescues and Furry Friend Reunions in Lexington
Additional Resources
- WTVQ: Lexington Shelter Seeks Help After Two Starving Dogs Rescued
- Pet Age: PetSmart Unveils Top 25 Cat-Loving Cities, Lexington Ranks No. 1
- WKYT: KY Animal Shelter at Full Capacity Due to Rising Living Costs
- Fox 56 News: 2 Puppies in Need of Adoption in Lexington
- Lex18: Dog Owner Charged with Neglect After Dogs Found in Unsanitary Conditions
- Wikipedia: Animal Rescue
- Google Search: Animal Shelters Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Animal Shelters Challenges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- Google News: Kentucky Animal Shelters
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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