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33 Chihuahuas, 1 chocolate lab surrendered to Idaho shelter after owner asks for help

Thirty-three chihuahuas and one chocolate lab were removed from a home on Friday.
Thirty-three chihuahuas and one chocolate lab were removed from a home on Friday. Kristine Schellhaas

The Idaho Humane Society helped to remove 34 dogs from a home in Wendell in the Magic Valley on Friday afternoon.

The dog’s owner called the Humane Society after realizing that she needed assistance and had taken in too many dogs, according to communication manager Kristine Shellhaas.

There were 33 Chihuahua mixes and one chocolate Labrador. In addition, the owner opted to keep an undisclosed number of dogs.

According to Shellhaas, the dogs ranged in age from 1 to 3 years and included two females with very young puppies who are now in foster care.

While it is unclear how the owner got all the dogs, Shellhass said the Humane Society gets similar calls a few times a year.

“Four dogs can turn into 20 if they are not spayed and neutered,” Shellhaas said. “We are thankful that she reached out and asked for help.”

The Humane Society is estimating the cost of care and supplies to train the dogs will be about $2,500 and is asking for public donation and support.

While 14 dogs are expected to go to foster care, others could be ready to adopt at the Idaho Humane Society’s Boise locations as soon as Tuesday.

This story was originally published March 7, 2020 at 1:28 PM.

Ximena Bustillo
Idaho Statesman
Breaking news reporter Ximena Bustillo is a media arts and political science student at Boise State University. She has previously worked for The Arbiter, KIVI-TV, The Washington Times and contributed to POLITICO. Ella habla español.
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