47 dachshunds rescued in Arkansas now need homes

After being contacted by locals in Arkansas, officials with the Alaqua Animal Refuge and the Save Underdogs team have taken in 47 dachshunds.

They say the dogs were with an owner who couldn't care for them anymore because he became sick and disabled. The two organizations quickly took them in.

"They were going to be taken to a local shelter that wasn't a no-kill shelter so, within a day, 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 said.

Officials with the local rescue teams say they're happy to be giving the dogs another chance at life.

"We are a no-kill facility, so whatever we take in, it's here until either it goes home to a loving family or it has a natural cause of death. We've got animals that have been here for years and they will stay here forever if we can't find them a home," Alaqua Animal Refuge Technician Alissa Parsons said.

While some of the dogs are in their pre-teen years, others are only four or five months old.

"The rest of them are young adults, anywhere from two to about six we think is the oldest one," Parsons said.

While the dogs still need their vaccinations before they can be adopted, people are already showing interest in taking them home.

"I'm out here already, before the doors open, I'm the first one, right? And I found my dog, would you believe it? And her name is Wendy," Animal Adopter Doris Olig said.

If you're interested in adopting, visit the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport to fill out an application.