More than 200 dogs rescued from an alleged West Virginia puppy mill and brought to the Washington area may be available for adoption as early as this weekend; those interested in adopting are encouraged to visit the Washington Animal Rescue League's Web site for further information.

101 of the puppies arrived at a Northwest Washington shelter. Although the majority of the dogs are Dachsunds, there are other breeds, including Yorkies, Poodles and Cavalier King Charles.

The puppies received medical exams and were groomed Thursday at the shelter, because already there is an interest in adopting the previously mistreated animals.

"My daughter and I were both talking about turning the TV off last night because whenever I hear about these inhumane situations it makes me so sad," said animal lover Helene Shapiro. "It's good to come down and get one."

In fact, many foster parents who came to the shelter appeared happy to take the pups home. At least that is what Zarunda Bratt is hoping for as she checked out the dogs in  this morning. "They're great, all of them," Bratt said. "I wish I could take everyone home."

Dozens of puppies also arrived overnight in Chantilly, Va. at Greenbriar Town Center off of Route 50.

The remaining puppies rescued from the Whispering Oaks Kennel are being offered up for adoption to Parkersburg residents.
Of the nearly 1,000 puppies rescued kennel, only 65 remain at the Humane Society shelter in Parkersburg. Saturday, the Humane Society began taking adoption applications for those 65 dogs.

Sharon Roberts, the owner of Whispering Oaks Kennels in Parkersburg since 1961, denied any wrongdoing. She agreed to give up about 1,000 dogs, mostly dachshunds, rather than face possible prosecution. Roberts also agreed to never operate a dog-breeding business again.

Rescuers claim the dogs were never let out of their cages and rarely touched by human beings.

"Nobody pets them, nobody talks to them, half the time nobody gives them water or food -- breaks you heart," said Gary Weitzman of the Washington Animal Rescue League.

"They are just kept in the you know minimum conditions to keep them alive and breathing, but not a high quality of life," added WARL's David Wild. 

Humane Society Video

Roberts disputes the allegations that the dogs were neglected.

The Washington Animal Rescue League dispatched a van to pick up dogs from the rescue location. Crews will bring some dogs back to make available for adoption.

"We are going there because that's where this breeder is and this breeder needs to be out of business," Wild said.

"I just hope we can get them all good homes and that, you know, we can give them a new life," added WARL's Mary Jarvis. 

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