October is adopt-a-dog month and Welland and District Humane Society staff, like Jill Baldin, want to see dogs like Sable go to new homes.

A down-spiraling economy in Niagara is affecting more than just people. For the past three months the Welland and District Humane Society has been overrun with dogs.

"It seems for every dog we adopt out, we get two more in," said manager Ted Bettle. "We are constantly full here."

Bettle said he believes the increase in strays has a lot to do with the way the economy is going. With the loss of many manufacturing jobs in Welland, Bettle said people just can't afford to take care of their pets anymore and are letting them go.

"These are bad times for people," he said. "And we're getting more and more dogs who have no one to speak for them."

Bettle said while he understands that economic times are rough, he encourages pet owners to be more responsible.

"It becomes our responsibility to take care of these dogs, and we are jammed as it is."

So far this year the shelter has adopted 418 animals - 185 dogs and 233 cats. Last year the shelter adopted 169 dogs in total.

While the numbers of adoptions are up, so are the numbers of dogs residing at the shelter, said Bettle.

Over the past few months the main shelter in Welland has undergone some major renovation projects. The dogs and cats have new play areas which Bettle said makes them more adoptable.

"The dogs have a place to run around and play and it makes them happier," he said. "And a happy animal is an adopted animal."

October is national Adopt-a-Dog month. Usually the shelter just promotes the theme through awareness, but because there are so many dogs in need of homes, this year Bettle has decided to adjust the adoption prices.

For the month of October adoptees will receive $50 off the regular adoption rate of $225. Adopted dogs come spayed or neutered, micro chipped and with their first shots for $175. The price also includes a two-week trial period and 30 days of pet insurance.

"When I walk through the kennel and see all these great dogs I can't believe that no one is coming for them," said Bettle, who noted the shelter can get as many as 10 to 12 strays in a day. "And these are not bad dogs, they're great dogs."

The Facts

What: Adopt-a-Dog month. During the month of October the shelter is offering discounted adoption rates on dogs because they are overrun. Dogs can be adopted for $175 which includes spay/neuter, shots, micro chip, two-week trial and 30 days of pet insurance

Where: Welland and District Humane Society: 60 Provincial Street, Welland. Port Colborne Animal Shelter, 1080 Elm Street, Port Colborne.

When: Welland shelter: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays noon-3 p.m. The Port Colborne shelter is open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.