LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- The city is easing off on its demands for a quick solution from a woman who has been caring for dogs and cats of deployed soldiers.

Diana VanDusen has been trying to find homes for dozens of pets after being told housing more than five animals at one residence is against city code.

The animals are, in a sense, victims of war. Their owners are all soldiers who have been deployed and couldn't find a place to keep their pets.

VanDusen began taking them in after the animal shelter at Fort Lewis shut down.

"So I met lot of soldiers along the way that are devastated they have to leave their pets behind," she said.

But the city says VanDusen has got to stop taking in animals, as the limit per household is five pets.

"And these laws we have are intended to respect and protect the privacy and peace of mind of neighbors that live nearby," said Jeff Brewster with the city.

"I think that is just heartless," said Denise White, who just adopted a military dog from VanDusen. " I just think that she was doing a good service, and I don't see where there was any harm. I really don't."

"Not many people want 30 animals living next door to them in a city neighborhood," said Brewster.

But VanDusen said none of her neighbors ever complained.

She was initially given until next Monday to get rid of all but five of the animals or face a $500 fine, but the city is reconsidering the deadline.

"If she is showing effort to come into compliance, we will ease on the deadline," said Brewster.

But the city is sticking to its maximum limit of five animals per household.

VanDusen admits what she's doing is against city code, but she wants the city to realize there is no alternative.

"I just want Lakewood to show mercy. I mean, they themselves said there's nothing wrong with what I'm doing," she said.

The city's mandate leaves many of the soldiers' animals with nowhere to go, VanDusen said. Many of the animals in her care are old or demand special care.

Public shelters operate under adoption deadlines, she said, and animals that are not young and healthy will have a tough time getting adopted within the time frame.

"They're a big facility, yes, but they have deadlines on their animals," she said. "Here, they can stay as long as they need; I don't euthanize."

VanDusen said turning our backs on the soldiers' pets is simply unacceptable.

"We're supposed to support our troops," she said. "If they can't support the troops by supporting the animals of the troops, then I can't live in a city that doesn't back our troops. Because these guys are innocent victims of what's going on over there."

She said she's even considered moving.

"If I could relocate myself and my animals within that deadline, I would. But you see how the housing market is right now," she said.

Thanks to all the publicity, all the dogs that have been in VanDusen's care have all been adopted. But 14 cats are still in need of new homes.

Anyone wishing to adopt a cat from VanDusen can meet them at the Puyallup PetSmart at 120 31st Avenue between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday.

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