OTHELLO-- More than 100 sick and starving dogs rescued from a puppy mill are finally getting food, shelter and the human touch.

At least half a dozen dogs were either found dead on site, or put down during Saturday's rescue operation.

Most of the survivors were taken the Othello Pet Rescue makeshift kennel. As the criminal investigation continues, the focus here in on rehabbing the dogs back to health and finding homes for them.

The first step is socializing the animals so they can learn to trust humans. Children crowded into the kennel Sunday, where they were encouraged to hold and touch puppies.

Volunteers said they were unprepared for so many dogs. They were in the process of building the shelter when 111 dogs were discovered in a house and separate kennel near Lind.

"This is our only facility we have for county dogs," said Pet Rescue volunteer Deena Vietzke. "We've worked really hard to get it up and running. It's not ready to run, but we made it work yesterday."

"We are worried about it, because we had the money earmarked to get the shelter up and running," said Pet Rescue President Jessica Fuhrman. "But we are taking donations, and we're hoping to get the dogs adopted out."

The nonprofit organization's only income is $6,000 a year from the City of Othello, but they've already cashed in that budget over the weekend. Next week will be even more expensive, when a vet will pay another visit to the dogs. They all need to be spayed and neutered, and most need vaccinations.

'"It'll get done," said Vietzke. "Donations are huge. Right now, that's all we live on."

Generosity has already started pouring in. A Prosser woman saw the rescue on Action News and pledged more than $6,000. Thirty dogs are already in foster homes.

"We've only got eight runs, and we have 56 dogs out here, so it's a full time job just to clean up after them and keep them fed," said Fuhrman.

One volunteer made 60 gallons of rice to feed the animals. Many of the dogs can't eat anything else because their teeth have rotted out.

All the dogs are sick, but the older ones are in worse shape, because they were apparently boarded into a filthy off-site kennel when they couldn't breed anymore.

"There's some dogs that are ten years old there, that are senior dogs, so we're assuming she's been breeding them since then," said Fuhrman.

Many others are too weak to move. At least five dogs were euthanized Saturday, and volunteers expect more to be put down Monday.

"Most of these dogs are already within a few weeks of dying," said Fuhrman. "Hopefully, all they need is just some TLC, and they'll get back on their feet. But they do need to go to the vet, which is more bills."

Action News tried to talk to Sharon Provost, the woman charged with first degree animal cruelty. No one answered the door.

At this point, the dogs are being fostered, but not adopted, because Provost could still get them back if a judge rules in her favor.

The 71-year-old also has sheep, goats, llamas, cats and chickens on the property. Sheriff's deputies say those animals had food and water, but a veterinarian said he saw at least one that needed medical attention.

If you are interested in donating money, volunteering or fostering a dog, call Pet Rescue at (509) 855-1402.