A worker at the Washington Wilkes Animal Shelter had a rude awakening Sunday morning when he went to feed the shelter's 200 dogs: Someone had stolen the weekend supply of dog food.

The shelter reported eight 40-pound bags of food, worth about $300, missing from an unlocked van parked on the property. Cat food, a bag of unopened puppy chow and animal treats were untouched, Adoption Coordinator Bonnie Branch said.

"It makes me really mad that someone would steal from the dogs," she said. "These are dogs that don't have a home."

The no-kill shelter in Washington, Ga., houses about 200 dogs, mostly in outside pens.

Mrs. Branch said the shelter had never had food stolen before, but has had doghouses and hunting dogs taken.

"Our shelter is on a dead-end road in the middle of a pine thicket," she said. "If there is someone down there in the middle of the night, they're not supposed to be."

Employees bought 14 bags of food Friday for the weekend and the loss of eight bags has had a big impact on the shelter, Mrs. Branch said.

The center's budget is $70,000 a year from the county and city, for basic operation costs such as facilities and food, she said. Services such as spay and neuter require private fundraising.

"When they steal from us, it's a big hit," she said, adding that the shelter will start locking the van door.

The animal shelter is asking for donations to make up the loss. Money contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 121, Washington, GA 30673. Food donations can be dropped off at the shelter, located at 358 Brown Road in Washington.