Charlotte County animal shelter holds rescue puppy lottery, dozens of families adopt

Dozens of families in Southwest Florida now have a new family member!

Several dogs rescued from horrific conditions got to go to their new forever homes Tuesday.

The dogs arrived at the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. Out of the 350 recovered from a puppy mill in Tampa, 53 went to the shelter.

It may be their lucky day, but who is really the luckiest here? The sweet pups in search of a permanent place to stay, or the 49 families who adopted them?

From dancing dogs to timid pups, the canines met their match one by one.

“I think they are going to fit right into my household and I am thrilled,” said Cheryl Slattery.

A total of 61 families showed up Tuesday morning to put their name in the running…

“I would love to bring the dogs home to make sure that they get the life that they didn’t have,” said Carla Anderson.

…but some left without a leash, worried about their health issues and expenses that could be forthcoming.

“I’ve had past troubles too. We will fit in just perfectly,” said another person hoping to adopt.

Some brought their own pups, hoping for a match made in heaven.

“We were hoping that they would get along right off the bat,” said John Iredale.

Knowing that in their home, these dogs will be loved forever.

“They deserve to have a happy one, to be loved just like everybody,” said Slattery.

There’s no paperwork to support their history, but the dogs are likely pure-bred.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were still about a dozen left at the Animal Welfare League available for adoption.