RACINE, Wis. (AP) -- Volunteers of an animal rescue organization in southeastern Wisconsin have returned from their mission to help Hurricane Harvey's four-legged victims with more dogs than expected.
Two volunteers from Woof Gang Rescue drove to Houston to retrieve dogs from about eight flooded animal shelters, The Journal Times reported . They planned to rescue just over 40 dogs, but the volunteers returned to Racine on Monday with almost 70 animals.
"We are not going to turn down dogs in need," said Paula Linder, a spokeswoman for the rescue. "It's not what we do."
Linder said rescue organizations are trying to make room in Houston shelters so they can save more dogs.
"We may have brought home 68 dogs, but in reality, we really saved over 100 because we cleared out 68 spots (in shelters) down there," Lindner said. "That's really why we do this."
The group had around 215 foster homes before the hurricane, said Jodie Hoffmann-Ruffalo, the rescue's executive director. After receiving the call for help, the group has around 260 foster homes.
"It's really great the community has stepped up to help us and go the extra mile to help those dogs that need help the most," Hoffmann-Ruffalo said.
Volunteers helped with unloading, walking, crate cleaning, bathing and assembling adoption packets when the dogs arrived. Volunteer veterinary technicians also helped give dogs microchips and vaccinations.
The dogs will be listed for adoption once their foster parents deem them ready.
