FREEPORT and FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida — Two Florida animal rescue facilities have taken in 47 dachshunds and are looking for a forever home for each of them.
WJHG reported that the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida, and the Save Underdogs Rescue in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, took in the dogs.
“They were going to be taken to a local shelter that wasn't a no-kill shelter so ... the reason it was so urgent for us to get them within this 24-48 hour time period was because they were going to be euthanized,” Alaqua Animal Refuge communications director Mary Chris Murry told WJHG.
On Sunday, Save Underdogs shared on Facebook that the 47 dogs were on their way to Florida from Arkansas.
Save Underdogs founder Terri Bondi told Northwest Florida Daily News she learned of the situation from a friend in Arkansas. The dogs' former owner, a truck driver, didn't realize that they could breed when they were 6 months old, Bondi said. He sought help when he found himself with nearly 50 dogs and without a way to care for them.
WEAR reported the dogs came from a hoarding situation, although Bondi said that was not the case.
“I thought it was originally 30 dogs and thought I could manage it,” said Laurie Hood, founder of the Alaqua Animal Refuge. “But when it was 50 ... It was perfect timing that Alaqua had space.
”The total turned out to be 47.
Alaqua took in 26 dachshunds, Bondi said, leaving Save Underdogs with 21.
The dogs range in age from several months old to 5 years old. Those interested in adopting may visit the Save Underdogs website and the Alaqua Animal Refuge website for more information and to contact the organizations to find a forever friend.