Chancey is a 10-month-old red-and-white female coonhound mix who is HOUSEBROKEN and good with children and other dogs. (Her owner turned her in on Feb. 19.)

And Scarlet is a 9-month-old male cat who . . . Wait a second. Scarlet is a male? Okay, you cat lovers. Would someone please go get Scarlet and rename the poor guy? It's bad enough to be in a shelter, but can you imagine how the other cats are probably making fun of him? Sheesh.

Anyway, this handsome orange and white cat is litter trained, good with animals and kids (even though one of those kids is probably responsible for naming him Scarlet), and he's been a total inside cat his whole life.

Chancey and Scarlet are staying at the Kanawha-Charleston Animal Shelter and need new homes.

The animal shelter has lots of puppies and kittens, including purebreds, that need homes. Shelter officials also urge those who have lost their pets to check with the animal shelter and to have their pets spayed or neutered.

The cost of adopting a cat is $50, which includes the first shot, worming, spaying or neutering and a rabies shot for animals at least 3 months old.

The fee for dogs is $65 and includes all the above. A $3 fee also is required for a dog license. The animal shelter also has a low-income spay/neuter program.

Shelter hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The shelter is located on Greenbrier Street. Call 342-1576 for more information. Visit the shelter's Web site: www.wvanimalshelter.com.