The sound of barking is growing at the Branson Tri-Lakes Area Humane Society.

"The drop off rate is probably 95-percent to five-percent adoption. We have people coming in every day, and dropping animals off at the gate, our front door, or just letting them loose on the property," said shelter manager Curtis Clark.

He says he believes the increase in unsolicited drop-offs has a lot to do with the national economy.

"I get calls from people every day that have lost their homes, and they're being forced to move into apartments where they can't their animals to them," said Clark.

For dog keeper Randy Jackson, the number of animals sitting in cages without homes is heartbreaking.

"It's real hard. It chokes you up," said Jackson.

However, it seems the smaller animals have a better chance at adoption than others. Animal shelters say large dogs are often not adopted because people can't afford to feed or house them. So, therefore, some of them have been staying in the shelter for several years.

"They've been here so long, they know exactly what to do. You let them out of the cage, and they know where to go," said Jackson.

But as the economic crisis bites down on Southwest Missouri animal shelters, those like Glenda Moore are stepping up to the cry for help.

"I have heard there's an awful lot of pets out there, and that the shelters are running over. So, I got on the website, looked at the facility, and decided to drive out and see what the had," said Moore.

On Wednesday Moore left with "Little Bridgette."

Because the Branson Tri-Lakes Humane Society is a no-kill facility, they must house animals until they die of natural causes or they are adopted. Animals can be adopted each and every Saturday at the Petsmart in Springfield or you can check out their website linked to this story.

Ideas or comments? Email me at wcarter@kspr.com