FRITCH, TEXAS -- Three weeks ago, Lorie Hubbard asked for the help of the community in finding new homes for more than 70 of her dogs.
Hubbard has bred the dogs for years, and also came to own more of them when people would drop their animals off at her property and strays would wander in. Now, Hubbard has realized she is not capable of properly caring for the animals.
"They need a home," she said. "I would love to be able to keep every one of them because, like I said, we've got a good relationship and I love them. But I can't afford to physically or monetarily to keep them all. And it's not right for them."
Three weeks ago, Hubbard posted some ads on Craigslist in hopes of catching the attention of pet-seekers. Some of the smaller dogs were adopted, but the larger breeds were not. That's when theAmarillo-Panhandle Humane Society stepped in to help.
"Our goal is to get her down to the numbers where she can enjoy her pets," Alecia McGee pointed out. "Nobody needs to feel overwhelmed and where they're not enjoying their pets. And these guys need a second chance where they're enjoyed also. They need a home where they can run and play and maybe, possibly, be the only dog there."
Hubbard's property has been swarmed with Miniature Pinchers, Huskeys, Akitas and mixes. The non-profit organization spent all day Monday transporting some of the animals from Fritch to Amarillo. At the end of the day, 14 dogs were taken off of Hubbard's property and McGee said there would soon be more trips to pick up more dogs.
"As of right now, we have people that are waiting for these breeds of dogs at the shelter. So, the adoption process should go very quickly- right back out the door."
Among the dogs on the property were some wolf hybrids, which are illegal to have in Hutchinson County. According to law, Hutchinson County law enforcement has every right to charge Hubbard. But since she surrendered the animals, that may not happen. The Humane Society contacted some wolf rescues to evaluate the animals. If they are socialized and not aggressive, the rescues will take them.
Hubbard was given vouchers so she can get the rest of her dogs spayed or neutered. She said getting her pets fixed will be a big help.
"Then I don't have to worry about stray dogs coming in and getting them pregnant or somebody breaking a tether and getting to the other ones. So, it'll be nice to know that I don't have anymore puppies to worry about."
As for the remaining dogs, Hubbard claimed she's going to limit how many she keeps.
"I'm going to downsize on them, too, because this is just, this has made it really, really difficult and very overwhelming," she added. "And, of course, I just don't even have the time to spend with them and they've noticed the difference."
She said she is considering putting more of her animals up for adoption.
"When things settle down and I get more comfortable with what I am, I may still even put these other ones up for adoption. When it comes wintertime and I have to go out there in the cold, I might change my mind about having outdoor dogs."
Hubbard lives outside of the city limits and, therefore, is not limited to how many animals she can have on her property.
