El Paso Animal Rescue Faces Strain With 43 Dogs Awaiting Adoption

I Am Almost Home Animal Rescue in El Paso is housing 43 dogs that need homes, according to KVIA. The rescue, run by Diane Avery from her own property for years, has faced mounting pressure since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted transport and adoption events.

With adoption activity slowed, dogs that should have moved to permanent homes have remained at the rescue. Avery said the financial burden of caring for so many animals has become unmanageable. "Before I quit working, I covered so much of the expenses and I just can't do that now," Avery told KVIA. "The thing is, there's so much need right now."

Emma White, Avery's granddaughter, launched a social media campaign to raise awareness and find homes for the dogs. White said the rescue's most pressing need is volunteers rather than additional donations. "If you can't adopt a dog and you can't foster, we really need dog walkers out here," White said. "These dogs aren't going to have people to come out and walk them as much. And that's probably one of the biggest things that we're looking for."

White plans to continue posting about available dogs on the rescue's social media pages while balancing school commitments and travel between El Paso and her home. The rescue maintains a website with information on how to adopt, foster, or volunteer. Avery said the need for animal rescue services in the region remains acute despite the challenges her facility faces.