A rescue team from National Mill Dog Rescue mobilized into action over the weekend and traveled through 3 Midwest states rescuing 101 dogs during Operation Hundred Hearts.

In the commercial dog breeding industry, dogs are discarded (most often killed) when they are no longer of use to breed. In one of its largest rescues in years, the rescue team transported 101 dogs to Lily's Haven, National Mill Dog Rescue's facility in Peyton, CO. They left Friday and arrived at Lily's Haven Sunday afternoon after driving 2400 miles in little over 48 hours to bring these dogs to freedom, coinciding with National Freedom Day.

Theresa Strader, NMDR founder, says "After rescue, these dogs will receive all of the veterinary care they so desperately need after a lifetime of neglect. Each dog is spayed or neutered, receives enormously complex dental care, is vaccinated, micro-chipped and heartworm tested. That care alone averages about $220 for each dog. Very often there is the need for additional specialized care or surgeries." Two of the puppy mill survivors were rushed to the vet immediately due to health complications such as a serious tick infestation and blood in urine.

NMDR is seeking valentines for each of the rescued dogs. For every $10 donation to Operation Hundred Hearts, NMDR will hang a red heart at the kennel with the valentines name on it in recognition of their financial support.

Operation Hundred Hearts marks the 77th rescue trip since 2007. National Mill Dog Rescue has rescued more than 9,800 puppy mills survivors in an effort to rehabilitate and re-home these dogs into loving families. It takes an average of four to six weeks before they are ready to be adopted into lifelong homes.