NORWICH – The Chenango County SPCA has had such an overwhelming response from the community about the 76 Pomeranians in their care, that they’ve even changed their switchboard message. Callers are now immediately directed to select option 3 if they are calling regarding the popular pups.

More than 60 families came forward to express an interest in adopting the dogs as soon as the story of their rescue broke, long before the SPCA had the necessary legal and medical clearances to find them homes. It looks like their wait may soon be over.

According to SPCA Executive Director Carol Hedlund, about a third of the dogs will be ready to go to new homes by the end of this week.

“We have been awaiting medical clearance for them to become eligible for adoption,” Hedlund said in a press statement issued Monday. “We now have that and are in the process of ensuring they are all spayed or neutered prior to their adoption into new homes.”

The dogs have been housed at the SPCA since they were seized from Steven W. Fong nearly two months ago. Hedlund and several members of the SPCA board assisted Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies in removing the dogs from a double wide trailer in the Town of Oxford owned by the Brooklyn man. They have been housed at the non-profit’s Norwich location since that date. Ownership of the dogs transferred to the SPCA on Nov. 21.

When the Poms first arrived at the shelter, they were in poor health and physical condition. During their time at the SPCA the have received much medical attention and grooming, and Hedlund is proud to report they are now in much better health.

Their fur, heavily matted with urine and fecal matter when they first arrived at the shelter, was cut short. It is now growing back redder and silkier than before, which Hedlund said is more typical of the breed.

The dogs bark excitedly, tails wagging, when she enters the room. When their cages are opened, they jump eagerly into her outstretched arms.