Erath County Humane Society issues urgent plea for help. ‘Our dogs are standing in inches of muddy water.’

Dogs are standing in mud as torrential rain floods the Erath County Humane Society. Photos/Serena Wright

 By SARA VANDEN BERGE

The Erath County Humane Society is issuing an emergency plea for help as torrential rain floods the shelter.

“We need people to foster our dogs,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News.

“We have about 75 dogs right now and can’t get them all inside. Our dogs are standing in inches of muddy water and have no way to get dry.

“They are forced to eat, sleep and go potty in the same wet, unsanitary space.”

The shelter will be open for foster families from 4-6 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday.

The shelter is also asking for donations of cedar pellets.

The shelter posted the following message to its Facebook page:

"We are heartbroken watching them stand shivering, soaked to the bone, with no relief in sight. Their feet can’t dry out, which puts them at risk for painful fungal infections and other health problems.

“You don’t need to have a fancy setup — they can stay in your home, garage, barn, workshop or a secure backyard with a doghouse. Anything is better than standing in this mud.

“Even just a few days out of the kennel can make a world of difference for them. We will provide supplies and support.

“Please, if you have space in your heart and your home (or even a dry corner of a safe space), come to the shelter tomorrow morning starting at 8 AM. Our dogs are depending on us — and on you.”

The shelter is located at 891 East Road in Stephenville.

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