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Pugs, poodles, Shih Tzus, boxers, cairn terriers, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians barked, paced and waited to be adopted Saturday morning by an eager crowd as excited as the puppies.
People lined up in the cold for a puppy adopt-a-thon hosted by the nonprofit Plain & Fancy Animal Rescue at The Total Dog & A Little Cat grooming salon in Adamstown.
They were hoping to get dogs dropped off by breeders closing their kennels as new state laws put pressure on puppy mills.
"I can't believe this many people showed up," exclaimed Linda Harrower, event coordinator. The rescue group founder and salon owner was pleased with the turnout of about 200 people.
Breeders dropped off dozens of dogs because the commercial kennels "are either downsizing or closing down entirely because they cannot comply with the new regulations" that are stricter, she said. More than 50 kennels have announced they are closing.
Harrower said her group doesn't report the breeders or ask questions, but simply wants the dogs to be adopted into loving homes. The group has a no-kill policy.
Adoptions cost $200 for each dog, and there were 106 available dogs. Thirty-eight adoptions took place.
The rescue group will hold another adopt-a-thon noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at PetSmart, 1700 Fruitville Pike.
The crowd filled the small salon lobby Saturday, and the line continued outside into the parking lot. Harrower allowed 10 people in to view the puppies at a time, "so they [the puppies] don't get too nervous or anxious."
The puppies were happily playing together as they were viewed, petted and played with by both kids and adults.
Robert and Ruthann White, of Denver, were some of the first in line and had their paperwork ready.
"I love dogs," Ruthann White said. "I would have a whole houseful if I could!"
They were looking for a cocker spaniel, and a half-hour later she was holding a 4-month-old male puppy.
Tim and Laurie Barr, with daughters Megan, 11, and Kelly, 8, came looking for a companion for their dog, Baxter. They came at 10 a.m. from Elizabethtown because they were pre-approved.
They found Tiana, a 4-month-old bichon frise that came from an overstocked dealer.
"At first she [Tiana] was stiff as a board. Now she is getting used to us and is getting along great with Baxter," said Laurie Barr.
Chris Harrower, husband of Linda, said the dogs have not been 100 percent socialized, so he believes the best thing to do is to "put them in a loving home."
Melody Harper, 11, of Camp Hill, was ready to give a puppy just that.
"I'm getting a white bichon frise," she said. "He's ... my Christmas gift!"
She was ready to adopt with her sister and dad. They were browsing the adjoining retail store to purchase a collar and leash.
Erika Whitmoyer, of Sinking Spring, had picked out her dog and was ready to go. The 10-year-old even named her new Havanese puppy as she waited for the paperwork to be completed.
"She's Chloe: C-H-L-O-E," Erika said, smiling and holding her new friend close. "I think that is the perfect name for her."
Mandy Stoltzfus is a Sunday News staff writer. E-mail her at mstoltzfus@lnpnews.com.
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