ATLANTA -- Local animal shelters have received more than $12,000 in donations after slain hiker Meredith Emerson’s parents asked the public to give money instead of flowers.

Days after Emerson’s death, a family spokeswoman thanked supporters and then made a request for those wanting to send flowers, to send money to any local animal shelter instead.

Emerson and her dog, Ella, were an inseperable pair, said family and friends.

It was no surprise that her family wanted to send donations to the local shelters. However the amount some shelters have received is exactly that – a surprise.

The Atlanta Humane Society has received most of the donations on their Web site, donations they say will be used to create the Emerson Kennel.

The new kennel will be used to care for an animal while it waits for a home, shelter workers said.

The Atlanta Pet Rescue has also received nearly $5,000 in donations from those wishing to remember Emerson.

In total, more than $12,000 have been donated to metro Atlanta animal shelters with much more donated to shelters across the state.