DENHAM SPRINGS - The Denham Springs Animal Shelter is bursting at the seams, struggling to house more dogs than it can safely keep warm.

Staff say the recent surge in animals has pushed them past capacity, and they’re now asking the community for help.

“So they keep coming,” said Rachel Boutwell, the shelter’s director, describing the steady flow of incoming dogs.

In just the past few days, the shelter has taken in 20 new dogs, bringing their total to 90, more than double what they typically try to keep on site.

“Which may not be a whole lot to some larger parishes and shelters, but for a small shelter like ours, with limited space, it takes a toll on us,” Boutwell said.

Many of the dogs are living outside in kennels, a situation staff are desperate to avoid as temperatures drop. Norm

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