MARION COUNTY, OHIO, Ohio — An 18-year-old kennel tech slept overnight at an area animal shelter during the winter storm.
Marion Area Humane Society staff braced for the winter weather Monday night.
Staff told 10TV their youngest kennel tech, Emily, volunteered to drive through the snow at 8 p.m. Monday to ensure she would be there to take care of the animals in the morning when roads could be impassable.
Emily snuggled up with Flo, a pit bull mix, sleeping in her kennel. Another tech, Riley, promised to drive in early Tuesday to help make sure the dogs and cats were OK.
"No matter how much snow falls they will be hungry and depending on us in the morning," Riley said.
The staff said the cats and dogs at the shelter are like their children, and they will do whatever it takes to make sure they are fed and taken care of.
"All of these animals are our babies. We know all their names, all their traits," Riley said. "Every single one of our staff members would be here if they could ... no matter what."
As of Monday, the humane society had 15 dogs and more than 30 cats in their care.
If you'd like to learn more about the pets available for adoption or learn how to donate, click here.