The dogs are part of a larger effort to relocate about 1,500 beagles from Ridglan Farms near Madison.
Deborah Mock, office cat and dog attendant at King’s Harvest, said the experience of picking up the dogs was emotional and overwhelming.
“We went up on Monday,” Mock said. “Terry, our director and myself, we drove up to Wisconsin.”
Mock said volunteers and rescue organizations from multiple states gathered to help transport dogs from the facility.
“It was kind of overwhelming. There was people everywhere,” Mock said. “So many volunteers, so many different buses, vans from various shelters.”
King’s Harvest brought 10 male beagles back to Davenport on Monday, May 4. Mock said many of the dogs are still adjusting to normal life after spending most of their lives in cages.
“In the beginning, they were all so happy that it was like a school of fish,” Mock said. “They were just all over each other like, ‘oh, there’s another dog.’ Some kind of walked like they were barefoot in the grass or something lifting their feet because they’ve only lived in a cage.”
Shelter staff said the dogs are friendly, but still nervous around people and unfamiliar environments.
“They need to get used to human contact,” Mock said. “I can tell already they’re loving it.”
The shelter said the dogs still need additional vaccines, medical evaluations and to be neutered before they can be adopted. Some of the beagles are currently being housed together, while others are temporarily separated after becoming overwhelmed or getting picked on by the other dogs.
King’s Harvest said it is currently accepting foster and adoption applications, though staff estimate it could still take several months before the dogs are ready for permanent homes.
“I just can’t believe that I got to be a part of this,” Mock said. “It’s almost a blessing. So I’m gonna make their life as the best it can be.”