Dozens adopting pets rescued in fire

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Bastrop Animal Shelter Director Troy Walters is so busy finding dogs and cats homes that were rescued in the Bastrop fire homes, he has no time to talk.

"We are swamped," explained Walters.

On Monday morning, 60 animals that were unable to reconnect with their original owners following the fire went up for adoption.  Adoption fees have been waived and dozens of people came out looking to add a furry family member.

Rick Reyes adopted two dogs.

"Are you ready to go home?" he asked his two new family members as he loaded their cages into the back of his pick-up truck.

Walters said all rescued animals were checked for micro-chips and a website featuring photographs of the animals was created .  He also reached out to media, both television and print, to try and reunite pets with their owners.

"We had a lot of these animals come in with collars but no identification tags," Walters explained.

If the animals are not adopted, they will be transferred to other shelters to be showcased.  If they fail to find a home then, they could be euthanized.

Walters, however, told KXAN he is doing everything he can to find homes and has even micro-chipped the animals and all the remaining cats have been spayed/neutered.

"A rescue group would definitely take these animals," Walters said.

Free adoptions will continue until 6 p.m. this evening.