Snickers didn't look happy.

The 5-year-old border-collie mix was about to get a bath. A look of concern came over her face as the handler began to wash her in a large, stainless steel tub. As the warm water washed over, she began to relax. It beat the alternative of being a stray dog roaming the cold St. Louis streets.

The Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters, 1201 Macklind Ave., was busy on Saturday. People were coming and going, some walking into special rooms to look at the dogs and cats that are up for adoption.

Visitors looked into the cages, talking to the animals in soft voices.

The dogs, of course, made the most noise. A beagle emitted a variety of barks and howls. The society workers looked like they didn't even notice. Other dogs barked just for the heck of it. A few others made no noise, happy to curl up and take a noontime nap. Eventually, the beagle calmed down and the room was quiet.

Several of the cages had "Puppy Mill Survivor" signs posted on top.

A Shih Tzu named Savannah stared out from behind the bars, wagging her tail. A white poodle called Sunshine also was a mill survivor. Just by their tired demeanors, they looked like they had been through some tough times.

A curious music filled their air, a combination of ocean waves and the long, low peals of bells. It's supposed to help keep the dogs calm.

That theory was shot to pieces about a minute later when two people with a large dog on a leash walked past the room. In an instant, all of the dogs were on their feet, barking and yapping. Even Savannah threw in her two cents worth.

A second room held the large dogs. Most of them were muscular pit bulls, who didn't bark much. They pretty much just stood still, staring at the visitors. In one cage, sat a Chinese shar-pei, all wrinkles and tan fur. It was an amusing dog to look at, but the circumstances were serious.

The room for adoptable cats had a different atmosphere. The only sound was a country music song playing softly in the background. The cats sat in their cages, looking out with a feline's studied indifference. Some were grooming themselves while a few were sleeping, their tails moving in a show rhythm.

In a visitor's cubicle, a young couple talked with a Humane Society worker. A large white-and-tan cat sat in the woman's lap, looking perfectly content. The three looked like they would make a great family photograph.