The Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter remains in need of foster homes and other assistance after 18 dogs were brought to the shelter from a hoarding situation in Athens.

Priscilla Blenkinsopp, director of the animal shelter, said animal rescue organizations have already come forward to pick up five of the dogs. Blenkinsopp said the dogs were not malnourished when found, but they had not received vaccinations, deworming treatments, veterinary evaluations or spaying or neutering.

Perhaps the biggest problem faced is a lack of socialization with humans.

“Being here is terrifying for them,” Blenkinsopp said, “because there’s a lot of people. It’s a new environment.”

During The News Courier’s visit to the shelter, shelter workers were able to pet and directly interact with all but four of the dogs.

“The others are adult dogs that are too scared,” Blenkinsopp said. “We can’t touch them yet.”

Blenkinsopp said the animals range from an 8-pound Chihuahua mix to a dog of about 25 pounds. With enough time spent, she believes they’ll be fine with humans or other pets.

“They will have to be in a laundry room or something so they can be socialized,” she said. “They are very scared of people. The (miniature pinscher) puppies aren’t too bad. Their mom is really scared, but we can touch her.”

Blenkinsopp said the puppies exhibit some food aggression but otherwise are fine.

“I think they’ll be fine with humans if someone has a lot of time to spend with them,” Blenkinsopp said.

A post to the “Friends of Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter Volunteer Team” Facebook page called for “all hands on deck” as they expected 21 dogs or more to come into the shelter. Blenkinsopp said they ended up receiving only 18, and the response from the community has been positive.

“We’ll be working on getting more out to foster families today,” Blenkinsopp said Friday. “Everyone’s been great with helping us with them.”

Those who wish to foster an animal can fill out an application online at www.limestonepets.org. They need to specify they are applying to foster an animal and come to the shelter to meet the animals after they have completed their application.

“If you can’t foster, help with blankets, food, crates, anything we can for the animals,” Blenkinsopp said. “Share their pictures.”

The Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter is located behind Limestone Veterinary Clinic, next to Preston’s Western Wear on U.S. 72 East in Athens.