Edmond Introduces Pet Adoption Program

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- It's not only the flowers that start blooming this time of the year as more puppies are born in the spring as well.

And local animal shelters are full of dogs, in need of a family. Because of that growing need, a foster puppy program is starting in Edmond.

They're looking to alleviate an overcrowding problem, as well as stop the spreading of disease.

Carmen has been at the MeCoy's home for two months, taken in temporarily to alleviate the local shelter. But the 3-4-year-old lab has certainly become a part of the family.

"They give unconditional love, and my children get exercise," Mishelleen MeCoy said.

Carmen is just one of the dogs fostered out of Edmond Animal Welfare. And right now there are so many, the shelter is at capacity. But Animal Welfare officials want to keep the safe community intact.

"When large numbers of dogs roam neighborhoods, things can happen, especially in the summertime when kids are out of school, with dogs and kids," Supervisor of Animal Welfare Jim Fish said.

The Foster program for older dogs in Edmond has been in place for years. Now they're hoping families will foster puppies.

Babies only 3 weeks old, mothered by a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, fathered by an unknown larger breed, were picked up by animal welfare in the middle of the sticks nearly separated from their mom for good. At the animal welfare they're safe, but they need a home until they're 4-5-months-old.

"We would ask that the puppies be held until they're large enough to be spayed, and until they have two rounds of shots," Fish said.

Fostering is a commitment, the MeCoy family says, but worth it in the end.

"It's really kind of rewarding, like taking in foster children, it's really neat," MeCoy said.

If you're interested in being a foster family to a pet, Edmond Animal Welfare requires home approval and a background check.