The 18 dogs are available for adoption immediately.
GLOUCESTER TWP. -- A second, second chance.
That's what 18 dogs now at the Camden County Animal Shelter are getting after being transported from shelters in Louisiana, where flood waters have left what officials have called the worst U.S. disaster since Hurricane Sandy, to the Gloucester Township facility.
"Sophie just filled that void for us," West Deptford resident Dorothy Golle said of the 2-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix, one of the pups rescued from the flood-ravaged region and subsequently rescued Friday.
So let's make that 17 dogs, but make no mistake -- the shelter that 60 dogs and 70 cats currently call home needs your help.
Among those waiting for their second shot at life are Eliza, a 4-year-old Great Dane, who was surrendered because her family's home was lost in the flooding. Also waiting for their "furever" homes are Sugar a 12-week old Dachshund puppy, Rocky a 2-year-old German Shepherd mix and Gordo, a 3-year-old Corgi mix.
"It's a big commitment," shelter operations manager Mike Bricker said of providing animals like this batch a good home. "It's going to be good to see them get adopted."
Bricker explained that the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) took the 18 dogs from four different shelters in Louisiana, where officials said "extreme overcrowding" was taking place, and brought them up to Camden County. Before departing New Jersey, they took 12 cats off the hands of shelter staff and transported them up to Vermont.
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It has been about a month since the historic rainfall and flooding struck Louisiana. According to The Times-Picayune, a slow-moving low-pressure system let loose two feet of rain on parts of the state.
As Louisiana residents struggle to rebuild, the Camden County shelter staff are asking South Jersey residents to help these four-legged former inhabitants.
"These dogs have traveled a great distance to find someone to provide them with the love and care they deserve," said Camden County Freeholder Jonathan Young. "These dogs, along with other animals, are waiting for you to provide them with their forever home."
Golle and her husband, Bill, a Vietnam war veteran, were the first to answer the call. After losing their 7-year-old dog "Jake" to pancreatic cancer, the couple had visited the shelter prior to Friday and left empty-handed.
They wanted a new pup, but didn't want to rush into it. Along came Sophie, and away they went together.
"She said, 'Alright. Take me,'" Dorothy Golle said.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.