FIVE ABANDONED MUTTS LOOKING FOR PUPPY LOVE

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- When domestic violence uproots families, sometimes women and children aren't the only ones looking for shelter.

A woman and her children recently escaped from an abusive situation in Perryville and had to abandon six puppies, not allowed in their new home.

But the Regional Family Crisis Center in Perryville, a safehouse for battered women and children, has started a pet foster care program for animals caught in the middle of domestic abuse. Center advocate Bonnie Roth says abusers sometimes use violence against pets as a way of terrorizing their spouses.

Since their birth five weeks ago, the Labrador and beagle mix puppies have been boarded by veterinarian Dr. Kenneth White in Perryville but need homes now. Two were adopted, but two females and two males -- three of them black and white, one tan and white -- remain along with their Lab mother.

"They're running out of time," Roth said.

Dr. Cindy Sprigg at Cross Point Animal Hospital in Cape Girardeau has offered to spay the two females. The center hopes another veterinarian will volunteer to neuter the males.

Those who want to adopt any of the dogs can call White's office at (573) 547-6622 or the Regional Family Crisis Center at (573) 547-2480.