Bella, who is about 3 years old, at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Bella has been described by her caretakers as a “powerhouse” because of her exuberant and seemingly limitless energy. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
HUGUENOT—On a sunny Tuesday afternoon at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark there are roughly 22 dogs, 80 some cats, 32 rabbits, three goats and one pig that call the shelter their home. The good news is the number of animals the Humane Society is taking in has gone down over the years, said Director Susan Beecher, which she attributes to more people fixing their pets. The bad news is that the building that they are housing them in, which was built in 1959, is falling apart. Beecher said it would take about as much money to renovate it as to build a new one so they are looking for funding to do just that.
Spooky, a roughly 3-year-old Labrador Retriever playing ball at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Spooky was found wandering loose and was brought to the humane society by animal control. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Spooky, a roughly 3-year-old Labrador retriever at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Spooky is described as your typical happy-go-lucky, sweet, and goofy Labrador by his caretakers who say he would benefit from a home where he can get plenty of exercise. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Bella, a pit bull and possibly a Staffordshire terrier mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Bella came to the Humane Society as a stray and appears to have had puppies shortly before her arrival. They estimate she is about 3 years old. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Bella, who is about 3 years old, at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Bella has been described by her caretakers as a "powerhouse" because of her exuberant and seemingly limitless energy. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Dasher, a young and energetic Labrador retriever mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. He came to the Humane Society through animal control and his owners never came for him. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Dasher at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Dasher is estimated to be about two years old an is described as "sweet" and "energetic" by his caretakers. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Boss, possibly a pit bull terrier mix, plays with volunteer Daniel Radtke at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. After owning Boss his whole life, Boss's owner surrendered him and now the Humane Society is looking for a good home with people who are experienced with dogs. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Boss possibly a pit bull terrier mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Boss' caretakers say he loves car rides, walks, and playing. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Seven, an 8-year-old black Labrador mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Seven was given up by his owner when the owner moved and could not take Seven to their new home. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Seven, an 8-year old black Labrador mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Seven is described by his caretakers as smart, loving, affectionate, playful, friendly and loyal. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Lani, a 4-year-old lab-pit mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Lani came from Hawaii after her owner was deployed to South Korea and was taken in by family from the area who ultimately could not find another home for her. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Lani, a 4 year-old lab-pit mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Her caretakers describe her as sweet and affectionate but better with humans than other dogs. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Breeze, a 9-year-old pit bull terrier at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. She came to the Humane Society with her friend Chula after their owner moved and could not take them to their new residence. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Breeze, a 9-year-old pit bull terrier plays with volunteer Daniel Radtke at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Nick, possibly a Labrador retriever/chow chow mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Nick, possibly a Labrador retriever/chow chow mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Nick, possibly a Labrador retriever/chow chow mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Chula, a roughly 8-year-old American pit bull terrier mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Chula came with Breeze to the Humane Society when her owner moved and could not take Chula with her. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Chula, a roughly 8-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier Mix at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Chulah is described as playful, friendly and affectionate by her caretakers who also say that she has some anxiety around her owners leaving for long periods of time. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Dasher in his kennel at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Comet, a Dalmatian mix that is roughly 3-4 years old in his kennel at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. Comet came to the society in an emaciated state from animal control. He has a head tilt, which shelter staff attribute to an old injury. They say it just adds to his sweet and loving character. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Dogs in their kennels at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Director Susan Beecher shows the pulley system that opens the outside door in a kennel at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
A divider between two kennels at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. This is just one of the signs of deterioration that Society Director Susan Beecher said is symptomatic of larger problems with the building that necressitate building a new one. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
Some of the kennels at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
A sign on the door leading from the main entrance to the kennels at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times)
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