Treasure Valley dog lovers have snapped up more than 30 little dogs brought to Idaho from a California animal shelter earlier this week, an Idaho Humane Society spokeswoman said Friday.
Most of the 60-plus dogs transported to Boise from the Porterville, Calif., shelter were Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes. They arrived in little sweaters, which were donated by a Chihuahua owner's group. Porterville is in the San Joaquin Valley, north of Los Angeles.
Why so many Chihuahuas from one shelter in California? They are a popular breed in that area and spaying/neutering isn't as mainstream as it is in Idaho and other parts of the country, said Hannah Parpart of the Idaho Humane Society.
Parpart offered an update on the dogs Friday:
• 8 went to Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley
• 34 have been adopted
• 9 are at PetSmart awaiting adoption
• 13 are at the Idaho Humane Society awaiting adoption
Adoption fees for these little dogs are $150-$300. The Idaho Humane Society has a variable adoption rate for dogs, which ranges from $20 to $300. The dogs that are easiest to adopt out have higher fees.
The program allows the shelter to find homes for many of the less adoptable dogs, including those with special needs, older dogs and big dogs. The money also is used for veterinary care; an older dog many need expensive dental work.
The Idaho Humane Society is at 4775 Dorman St., Boise. Winter Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Sunday. The PetSmart Adoption Center, 130 N. Milwaukee St. Store, is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
