A private donor provided the funds to allow for substantial refurbishment of the 48 cages that house the dogs, shelter manager Karen Stepp said.

Though she didn't want to reveal the person's name, Stepp said that the gesture was greatly appreciated and allowed workers to repaint, reseal walls, install new kennel enclosure fences, fix damaged metal and replace other items that were broken.

"Water deteriorates metal, so it was all breaking," Stepp said. "The difference between old and new is amazing."

The renovation, which is proceeding in phases, started about a month ago and is halfway done. The dogs that were housed in the kennels currently being fixed up are being doubled-up with other dogs in the non-modernized units while they await adoption.

"It's a slow time of year right now and we're not at full capacity, so it's not really a big issue," Stepp said.

In the meantime, the county-run shelter is trying to step up adoptions by advertising  animals online, in print and at off-site adoption events.

Stepp said donations are currently being solicited to allow the shelter to buy new dog beds to furnish the newly renovated kennels.

To contact the shelter call (661) 257-3191, or visit at 31044 Charlie Canyon Road in Castaic.