Cottageville, SC - An animal refuge center caring for more than 80 dogs in Cottageville is out of cash and the owner is trying to keep the dogs from being put down.

JC Commerville has made his Cottageville home a home to any mutt that's come his way for more than 20 years.

"They come from out of the woods, off the highways, they've been dumped. I just don't want these animals to be put down," Commerville said.

Many of the dogs are too sick or old to be adopted but at least 30 need homes.

JC spends about $35,000 a year caring for the animals and close to 80% of that comes from private donors. But this year funding has run dry.

"Things are not forever, it's just one of those things, the economy had a contributing factor and we can’t blame them for that," Commerville said.

JC says there is only enough food to last the dogs for this month, which comes at a cost of about $3,000.

After that, he says he only has enough funding to buy food for another 30 days.

"Euthanizing 60 animals, that's what it’s going to come down to and that's what I'm trying to avoid. If we can raise $35,000, as close as we can get, that will guarantee a full year," Commerville said.

It’s a time to downsize and avoid overloading a shelter, he said.

"The only time we feel an animal should be put down…if the vet tells me there's no quality of life for them. Other than that, I have the property for them to run on," Commerville said.

It will be a sandy sanctuary of sorts for those who may be near the end of the road, unless someone steps in.

Last year Colleton County Animal Control took in 3,000 animals. They tell ABC if they have to they will take in JC’s dogs and try to find them homes.

Meantime JC is looking for donations.

If you would like more information contact GSBI at 835-GBSI (4274) or at the address below.

GBSI Animal Refuge, Inc.

P.O. Box 394

Cottageville, SC 29435

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