Arizona Animal Sanctuary Needs Volunteers to Cuddle Rescued Wolfdog Puppies

A dog sanctuary and rehabilitation center near Clarkdale, Arizona, has been flooded with phone calls and emails ever since it asked for volunteers to come cuddle their rescued wolfdog puppies. Nonprofit organization Pets Return Home recently saved more than two dozen pups—plus two pregnant moms—from being euthanized in Northern California, SFGATE reports.

These particular pups were rescued from a breeding center in California that had more than 160 wolfdogs, which are a cross between a wolf and a dog—typically a Siberian husky, Alaskan Malamute, or German shepherd. The population at the “puppy mill” got out of control, and the owner could no longer afford to feed the dogs, according to FOX10 in Phoenix.

Several other animal organizations stepped in to save the pups, but 60 still remain in Lessen County, California. Local officials say the dogs must be rescued by November 2, or else they will be euthanized. Plan B to Save the Wolves in Sedona is currently seeking shelters that are willing to take in the animals.

As for the pups in Arizona, Pets Return Home said in a Facebook post that the pups are “adapting extremely well to their new kennels.” Earlier this week, the organization put out a request for volunteers to help socialize—and yes, snuggle—the pups to improve their odds of being adopted. Unsurprisingly, they received an “outpouring of support” and are currently processing those requests.

They’re also still in need of financial support. The dog food alone is expected to cost around $2000 per month, and funds are required to cover medical fees. For more information on volunteering or donating, check out the organization’s website or Facebook page.

[h/t SFGATE]