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After a lifetime in an outdoor kennel a Southeast Kansas breeder voluntarily gave them up for adoption. But it was too late for some of the 37 Lhasa Apso and Chihuahua dogs.
The state told Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton to expect seventeen rescued dogs. Only seven Lhasa Apsos arrived. A handful of Chihuahuas went to another shelter in Pawnee.
"Our understanding is that there were quite a few that were old and in bad shape," said Will Tate, Marketing Director at Caring Hands.
According to Kevin Stubbs, the shelter's executive director, that's not unusual for animals used for breeding.
"I think they are pretty much as we expected," he said about their condition up on arrival.
The dogs had badly matted fur and stank of the urine covering them. They got a quick medical exam, vaccinations and then it was off for some rest. The hard work comes later.
"Working on some socialization and getting them used to their situation," explained Tate.
Even the most confident of the dogs are walking a little oddly, picking their feet up gingerly and sniffing at the ground of their cage. That's because they're not used to walking on a solid surface.
"They were kept outdoors. While they were not in cages, they were in runs. So the ground is new to them," said Stubbs.
Just one of many things they'll have to get used to now. But, with food, water and new, Christmas-themed names like Joy, Merry and Noel, they look ready for a new future as a beloved pet
Wednesday the dogs will get a special cleaning and grooming before potential families are allowed to meet them.
Anyone interested in adopting the rescued pups will have to come to Caring Hands in person. The Humane Society will suspend its online adoptions for these animals.
Caring Hands Humane Society is located at 1400 S.E. 3rd in Newton, Kansas. For more information call (316) 283 0839 or visit www.caringhandshs.org.