KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- They're cute, cuddly and ready for a spot in your home.

Tim Adams is the director at Young Williams Animal Center. He says, "It's an animal that can bring love and joy to your family."

But Adams says don't adopt a furry friend for someone else this holiday season. "A pet is a very personal gift, or member of your family and it's something that the person living with that animal should choose."

Callie could have been one of 10,707 animals euthanized this year at Young Williams so far. And the numbers are growing. The shelter says it has a lot to do with a bad economy.

Adams says, "People who are loosing their homes, having to make choices of whether or not to feed their children or animals, in those cases, they need to feed their kids and we need to get their animals and we'll do the best we can to try to find them good, new homes."

In 2008, more than 17,600 animals were brought into Young Williams for adoption. More than 12,600 were euthanized. So far in 2009, the numbers are rising in both animals up for adoption and euthanasia.

Adams says, "We'd love to see the numbers drop, we hope the economy will turn around, and we also hope more people will spay and neuter their animals."

The Young Williams Animal Center says you can help bring the euthanasia rates down. Every second Saturday of each month, the center holds a pet pantry for those who are unable to afford pet food. For more information, contact Young Williams at 865-215-6667.