UNION CITY, TN - Just this past Wednesday we saw 55 animals taken from a puppy mill go to an already over crowded local shelter, and unfortunately that is a common problem across our region. Right now, in McCracken county there are more than 70 dogs that need to be adopted, the same in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In Jackson County, Illinois more than 40 dogs are available and in Obion County, Tennessee 30 dogs are at the shelter. They all need good homes, but not all will be lucky enough to get adopted, so a local shelter is taking an extra step to make sure their dogs do.

Young kids from the Northwest Tennessee Boys and Girls Club teamed up with Ann's Place Animal Shelter in Union City to help train some of the dogs that have been at the shelter for over a year. Leighanne Arenzas has been training 2-year old "Little Devil". "I look forward to coming every Tuesday and Thursday to see them. It's a rush you get that you have someone to teach and to know they are going to be there every single time."

This is the first year for the program but already the kids and dogs are making progress. Ron Green, The Boys and Girls Club chief, says "this is a great opportunity for these young people, part of our goal is to help them grow up and be positive and productive in their community. Training the dogs teaches them responsibility and compassion not only for animals but humans beings." The kids have been at it for 4 weeks now, training them to sit, lay down, and stay. After the four weeks these dogs have graduated and are ready to be adopted. If you'd like to volunteer your time you can do so by calling 270.627.2004