UPDATE: Owners can claim surviving kennel pets from Animal Charity

YOUNGSTOWN — Oddie Humbert said his 5-month-old German shepherd “Princess” was more than pleased to see him at Animal Charity on South Avenue today.

“She wanted to kiss me, jumpin’ all over me,” Humbert said of the brief reunion.

Princess was one of 12 dogs seized Wednesday from High Caliber K-9 at 1516 Coitsville-Hubbard Road after Animal Charity humane agents said they found seven dead dogs and eight skinny, neglected dogs in the backyard.

Steve Croley, kennel operator, is charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty and animal neglect. He will be arraigned at 10:30 a.m. Friday in municipal court.

Humbert said he and his wife, LauVonna, were shocked to see television news reports of the animal seizures. They recognized Princess on the news footage.

“I was praying there was nothing wrong with her,” he said, adding that their children are grown and Princess is his wife’s “baby.”

Humbert said his dog was at the kennel for only eight days and appears to be in good shape.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.