March 7, 2008 250 dogs, rescued from puppy mill, adopted in Maine Play video

(NECN: Buxton, Maine) - It was the biggest animal seizure in Maine history: 250 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Buxton. Now, after more than six months of care at a price tag of $350,000, all of the dogs have now been adopted.

PR41 stands for "puppy room 41" -- a number system the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine had to use to identify the huge number of dogs it was caring for after the state closed down the puppy mill last August. The state said the dogs were living in crowded and filthy conditions -- and suffering from a host of illnesses.

But, in many cases, it takes more than love to care for a puppy mill dog. That's one reason why the Animal Welfare Society has started a special class just for Buxton dogs.

Kim Vansickle is a dog trainer who also spent months volunteering her time to care for the Buxton dogs. She felt they needed some time in pre-school before tackling traditional obedience classes. Just like children, listening isn't always a dog's top priority.

One of the main goals of the class is to build their confidence and improve their social skills.

Many of the dogs are afraid of new people. "Swifter" doesn't like to leave her owner's side. She was found at the puppy mill with only one eye, poor teeth and pregnant.

While the class is good for the dogs, it also helped the owners.

NECN's Marnie MacLean has the story.