Print edition: 
About 20 shih tzus will arrive at the Caring Hands Humane Society today in need of new homes after being turned over by a breeding operation in southeast Kansas.
The mix of puppies and adult dogs will arrive around noon, said Jack Brand, spokesman for the humane society, and adoption papers can be filed immediately with a $40 deposit.
However, the animals won't be available to take home until they have been spayed or neutered, which takes about a week, he said.
The dogs were turned over by a breeder trying to downsize a kennel, said Debra Duncan, director of animal facilities inspection at the Kansas Animal Health Department.
Puppies aren't selling as well because of the economic downturn, Duncan said, and unsold puppies are either kept for breeding, euthanized or put in homes.
A total of 30 dogs, 21 of which are less than a year old, were turned over to be put in homes, Duncan said, and they were distributed to various humane societies in the area.
The influx of dogs puts a strain on Caring Hands, at 1400 S.E. Third St. in Newton, because the shelter is especially crowded during the summer, Brand said. With the new shih tzus, the society will be close to its capacity of about 50 dogs, and some dogs may be moved into temporary foster housing until more space is available.
The cost to adopt one of the puppies, which are most in demand, will be about $225, Brand said. The cost to adopt the other shih tzus will vary but will be less than for the puppies.
"The less expensive adoption fee ... is to give everyone an even playing field," Brand said. "Otherwise for dogs that are older or shyer, it's easier for them to get passed over."
Brand said the lower adoption cost is a trade-off for the increased amount of time that might be needed to train older dogs. However, he said, "with a little a bit of time they will make fantastic dogs."
Animals adopted from the shelter come with all vaccinations except for the rabies shot, Brand said.
The humane society has had success in adopting out shih tzus in the past, and Brand said he expects the new batch of dogs to find homes quickly.
"We've had wonderful luck, even with tremendously shy shih tzus, rescuing them and turning them around quickly," he said.
