Puppy Love Could Be in Short Supply in MN [Cute Dog Pix]

Companionship might be more important now then ever due to the pandemic. Some people living on their own have turned to pets to fill that void. Families who have seen their summer activities reduced have more time to take on a new puppy. These notes, along with a slowing down of the pipeline of available dogs for adoption coming to Minnesota, has left shelters with more requests than dogs to fill them, according to a story published by the Star Tribune.

The article states, "The Humane Society's designated transit team, which typically brings 600 dogs a month from out-of-state source shelters, has been idled since April and won't resume transport duties until mid-August, and then not at its pre-pandemic numbers."

For those interested in a cat, the options are numerous, "There's an overpopulation of cats and kittens in Minnesota, so people can adopt them right away. We have some really cute kitties ready for forever homes," said Mary Tan of the state's Humane Society in the Trib's report.

The Steele County Humane Society's Facebook page also shows many cats and kittens in need of a home. In another note from their Facebook page, they remind dog owners to be aware of how hot the pavement can get during the summer. The post indicates that if your hand gets hot in five seconds on the pavement, then it's too hot for your pet.

On a related note, our family just vacationed in Colorado and spent an afternoon at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. I saw numerous people with their dogs on the blistering hot sand. Some owners put their pooches feet into booties, but many did not. I could only stand a few seconds in my bare feet on the sand. I felt sorry for the dogs.