FRITCH, TEXAS -- More than 50 dogs have accumulated on Lorie Hubbard's property over the years, and she is now seeking community help to get the dogs into good homes.
There is no law stating how many animals a person can own if they live outside the city limits. What began with several domestic pets turned into breeding, receiving animal drop-offs and rescuing shelter pets. But due to financial issues, Hubbard can longer afford to care for them.
"They are big dogs. They're outdoor dogs," Hubbard cried. "They're beautiful creatures and they just need a home because I can't afford to feed them or take care of them and they deserve better."
The majority of the dogs she is wanting to give away are Huskeys, Malamutes and Akitas. They are between the ages of one and six. There is also a group of Miniature Pinschers Hubbard is seeking a home for, and an Amarillo woman has offered her help in contacting animals rescues.
"For the dogs in the back, they are socialized and have just been running around in a pack," Crawford explained. "I think those dogs would benefit more from a sanctuary or rescue that knows how to handle those types of dogs. The Min Pins, I think it's almost 100 percent sure that they'll take those in and find them good homes."
Crawford became aware of Hubbard's situation when a friend directed her to the posts Hubbard made on Craigslist. Knowing the animals were in need of help, Crawford collected dog food from the Amarillo SPCA, The Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society andCritter Camp.
"They don't have a quality of life," she said. "I mean, they're not starving, they're not skinny. But you've got to think about the quality, you know, what's the quality of their life."
Though it is painful for her, Hubbard acknowledges she is not capable of giving the animals the lives they deserve. She is asking anyone interested in her dogs to contact her at 806-683-5236.
"Do spend a little bit of time with them," she encouraged. "I mean, they're skittish when somebody new comes around and they bark and everything. But give them time to settle down and they're good dogs."
According to Hubbard, the dogs are in pretty good health, though many of them are not current on their shots and have not been spayed or neutered.
Hubbard is accepting dog food donations from anyone who can take it to her home in Fritch. She works full-time and said anyone willing to feed and water her dogs during the day would be a big help.
Though Crawford does not agree with the conditions the animals are living in, she did point out she feels Hubbard is doing the right thing.
"I think it's a step in the right direction."
