'Overwhelming' response to animals rescued in Gulfport

The faces of 28 Yorkshire terriers rescued from a home in Gulfport on Tuesday have been tugging at hearts and prompting an avalanche of calls to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, officials there said Wednesday.

"We have been overwhelmed with people calling in," said HSSM Marketing Specialist Maren Slay. "It's just an overwhelming response. People want to adopt them, and people are bringing in donations."

Bubbles & Bows, a pet grooming shop in Gulfport, was at the shelter Wednesday morning giving the dogs "haircuts and makeovers," Slay said.

The Yorkies, as well as a Labrador retriever mix and a cockatoo, are getting examinations and care at HSSM. For the adoptable dogs, it will be a while before they will be available.

HSSM has drafted an email they are sending to those who are contacting them about adopting the dogs. Here is an excerpt:

"The Humane Society of South Mississippi has been inundated with calls and emails inquiring about the rescued Yorkies that are in our care.

"Currently, the dogs are being thoroughly evaluated, vaccinated, spayed/neutered. Once their medical needs have been addressed, we will release their adoption availability date on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/myhssm) and website (www.hssm.org). At this time, we estimate that they will be available for adoption in 1-2 weeks. The adoption of these dogs will be on a first-come, first-serve basis on this designated date, and we will not have a waiting list or any 'holds' on animals.

"We are working diligently to provide these dogs with the care that they need and deserve. Please be patient with us during this time and continue to visit our Facebook page and website frequently for updates regarding their status."

HSSM noted that, in addition to the rescued animals, 35 other animals from several other locations also were taken in Tuesday, noting that the addition "will place a significant strain on the organization's resources."

The shelter added that it currently houses more than 300 other homeless pets that are ready for adoption.

HSSM accepts montary donations; to make a donation, visit: https://www.hssm.org/online-giving/

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 12:22 PM with the headline "'Overwhelming' response to animals rescued in Gulfport ."