Lotus is a Staffordshire bull terrier mix that was skinny when she was thrown over the fence at the Effingham County animal shelter.
The dog that is about a year old has gained some weight since then, said Shelter Director Lorna Shelton.
“She was emaciated when she came,” Shelton said. “She’s gained some weight. She’s a nice-sized dog. She’d be good for people living in an apartment.”
She’s still puppyish and isn’t housebroken, but she gets along with other dogs and cats.
Also up for adoption this week is Macon, a neutered shepherd mix that was brought in as a stray. He is about 7 years old and is beginning to get cataracts.
“I know this will be a good dog,” Shelton said. “I love his temperament. Take some time with him and he’ll be a fabulous pet.”
Shelton said the Effingham shelter, Coastal Pet Rescue and Helping Out Pets in Effingham (HOPE) are reminding people about Spay Day Feb. 23. She said people should call their local veterinarian and ask if they have any special prices related to that day.
She also said April is prevention of cruelty to animals month, and is marked by orange ribbons.
The fee to adopt animals from the Effingham shelter is $50 for dogs and $40 for cats, which includes shots.
People who adopt animals from the shelter must agree to have them spayed or neutered within 30 days, or be subject to a $200 fine. The shelter is following up to make sure that people abide by the law.
Animals must receive a rabies and a “DAPP” shot — for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Someone who adopts can take the animal home but must agree to bring the animal back on a Monday or Thursday to get its shots.
The shelter’s phone number is 912-754-2109. It is open for adoptions Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The shelter accepts animal drop-offs on Mondays and Thursdays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The address for the shelter’s adoption page is: http://www.effinghamcounty.org/DepartmentsAF/AnimalShelter/AdoptionPage.aspx