More than two dozen Basset hounds took the first step towards getting adopted Tuesday afternoon in Boerne.

A total of 31 hounds were given to rescues. A local breeder owned the dogs but is getting out of the business and hoped to find the dogs good homes.

"These are dogs that are now going to get a chance at life, that they're not going to be bred to death," said Monica McGee Ebert, the breeders' daughter.

So the family turned to the Bandera County Animal Welfare Society for help. The local group put out the word to other rescues and got answers from across the country.

"As far as New York, Iowa, New Mexico, Arizona," said President Sandee Bowman.

Dozens showed up at the Hill Country Animal League in Boerne Tuesday,ready to help the dogs with a simple mission.

"Bring them into good health and to adoptive families that will be able to work with them and enjoy them," said Alma Aguirre, Director of the animal league.

Anyone interested in adopting the dogs is encouraged to contact one of the two facilities below:

Hill Country Animal League: 830-249-2341

Animal Welfare Society of Bandera County: 830-751-2595