Gardner said that she had a “very, very long” conversation with the individual responsible for the dogs.

“I think there was some sort of hoarding mentality,” she said. “We were trying to explain that getting (the dogs) into a bigger boarding facility where they can run, play, move and get one-on-one attention is better for them. Being crated long term in a home is not a good quality of life, despite the best intentions.”

The dogs are being transported to a facility at 133rd Street and Memorial in Bixby to be used as a temporary emergency shelter.

The facility, which was formerly an animal hospice, was donated by Dr. Joe Landers of Heritage Veterinary Hospital for volunteers to use for the next few months until they find homes for the dogs.

The space is critical for the Humane Society’s rescue effort since only one week ago it rescued 58 Chihuahuas from a north Tulsa home, and this has left the organization’s foster headquarters at maximum capacity.

Once at the emergency shelter, the dogs will be receive food, water, baths and the necessary medical attention. Each dog will also be evaluated by a veterinarian and screened for any behavioral or medical issues.