Dogs rescued from Grayson County puppy mill to be put up for adoption

By Rosa Duarte

Published: April 3, 2008

Dogs rescued from a puppy mill months ago will soon be put up for adoption.

After a plea agreement late last month owner Loretta Parsons agreed to hand over all but two of the dogs.

Of the 24 dogs originally rescued from a Grayson County puppy mill only 14 remain at the Galax Carroll Grayson Animal Shelter.

Shelter Supervisor Gina Dalton says “We had two pugs that had to have extensive surgeries and they went to a pug rescue and we had some puppies that also went to a rescue.”

County administrators say paper work is all their waiting for before the dogs will be allowed to find a new home, hopefully by the end of next week.

In a statement, Assistant County Administrator Felicia Hash tells 10 On Your Side, “We are pleased that this has been settled and that these animals will be adopted out to good homes.  The county would like to thank the local animal shelter and everyone who has been involved with the care of the animals.  We’d also like to thank the citizens of the county and surrounding area who’ve expressed concerns and willingness to adopt the animals.“

Dalton says because of their history, whoever adopts the dogs needs to be committed “They were in cages outside, they are not housebroken, they were basically fed and not handled extensively and not socialized to doing anything except sitting in their cage all day.”

To help pay some of the medical bills the adoption fee will also be more, starting from the normal $15 to $150 depending on the health of the dog.
Dalton says families have shown interest despite extra costs.

According to Virginia law people can adopt the animals if they live in the same county or any county that borders the shelter. In this case, it would include Floyd, Wythe, Smyth and Patrick counties.