Watch: ARF Volunteers Help "Puppy Mill" Rescues

Volunteers with the are lining up to help raise a group of dogs recently rescued from puppy mill raids in the Midwest.

ARF joined the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary of Utah to rescue hundreds of dogs from Ohio, Missouri and elsewhere, bringing over 20 dogs to the group's headquarters in Wainscott. For the last two years ARF has participated in the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary's "Pup My Ride" program, which has rescued over 1,500 dogs from puppy mills in the Midwest.

A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding farm that operates for profit, often at the expense of the animals' health and well-being. Though legislation has been introduced to establish miminum standards of care, many puppy mills still operate under inhumane conditions.

Volunteers together with vets and trainers now face the difficult task of acclimating these puppies to a normal, domesticated life. Many of the dogs were born directly into captivity, never let out of their cage and rarely exposed to other dogs. The dogs will receive socialization therapy and medical treatment, but many have trouble simply going for a walk.

For the volunteers, it is an emotional and gratifying journey that leads to life-long memories.