Watch CBS News

New 'Leash' On Life For Rescued Puppy Mill Dogs

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) – Dozens of dogs rescued from a Florida puppy mill are getting new homes Thursday after dog lovers lined up at the Humane Society of Broward County to give the canines a second chance.

Officials from the Broward Humane Society drove to Clewiston Tuesday to retrieve 46 dogs from an animal breeding facility which was overcrowded with more than 200 dogs.

When Robert Churchill saw the story on the news, he knew he had to help and he especially wanted the Husky.

"Actually I was here four times yesterday to see this dog," said Robert. A dog like this needs help. Any dog from a puppy mill needs help."

The Husky, named Rachael Ray, will go home with Robert on Thursday after she is spayed. All of the dogs are named after chefs or some sort of food.

By 10:30 a.m. Thursday, most of the dogs that had been put up for adoption were already claimed.

"Once they opened, it was like Black Friday," said Vicky Ereella who adopted a dog. "Everybody was running for a dog. Everybody just went poof."

It is first come first served but with more than half the dogs not out yet, some people have resorted to camping out and waiting for the dogs to be released.

"I'll be here probably throughout the day and I'll be here tomorrow morning when they open as well," said Gary Witten who wants to adopt a dog.

Apparently, the journey from the puppy mill to the shelter has not been easy for some of the dogs.

"We were teasing the other night that they are probably seeing air conditioning for the first time in their lives," said Mary Steffen of the Humane Society of Broward County. "So the transition has been tougher for some of them but they are very social."

In addition to some minor medical care, these dogs needs lots of love and patience.

Another two dozen or so dogs are expected to be put up for adoption over the next 24 hours. In addition to these puppy mill dogs, there are plenty of other dogs eager for loving, caring homes.

If you're interested in adopting one of the dogs, or need more information, click here for the Broward Humane Society web site or call (954) 989-3977. The Broward Humane Society is located at 2070 Griffin Road in Fort Lauderdale.

Don't forget about Waggin' Wednesdays where all adoption fees are half off.

If you can't adopt a dog but would like to help out, the Humane Society is accepting monetary donations along with towels and dog toys.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.