Think you're suffering in the heat?

People aren't the only ones who are 'feeling the burn' this summer. Can you imagine wearing a fur coat 24/7 in 100% humidity?

Animals in the Bradford County Animal Shelter, an outdoor shelter, are feeling it. When I spoke with Capt. Randall Zipperer on the phone earlier this month, he confirmed that a few of the dogs had died from the conditions - "one older and one very young, at least" he said.

While the tin-rooofed, open air shelter has a drip-line to try and help cool the dogs and cats (drip-lines are like what you see spritzing flowers or produce at the grocery), it's just not enough.

Fans are a precious commodity for the shelter. Same goes for food, volunteers and the money to bring it all together. Zipperer stated that they've requested $108,000 for next year's budget, but in the mean time, this remains a community issue.

"Any viable donations," especially electric fans, can be brought to the Bradford County Sheriff's office or to the shelter directly. Anything you can do for these animals supports the staff and the community.

The Bradford County Sheriff's office is located at 945-B N. Temple Avenue in Starke, behind the courthouse. The Bradford County Animal Shelter and Control is located at 606 Edwards Road, also in Starke. You can call the shelter directly at (904) 964-9200, or see a list of pets available for adoption on PetFinder.com or http://www.bradfordsheriff.org/animal_control.htm.