Noses were pressed up against either side of the cages at Heartland Humane Society on Tuesday afternoon, as potential foster families checked out row after row of puppies and adult dogs.

Monday at about 7 p.m., 86 small dogs and puppies arrived at the shelter in a flurry of plastic kennels. Three new puppies arrived shortly after, as one of the dogs gave birth upon arrival. All the dogs had been rescued from a home on North West Springhill Drive in North Albany, after Benton County sheriff’s deputies accused their owner, Carol Brower, with multiple counts of animal neglect.

By midnight Monday, many of the animals had been given veterinary exams, with more taking place Tuesday. Baths were scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, as many of the dogs and puppies were matted with feces and urine. Others were extremely emaciated, and some dogs were ill and awaiting further test results.

Having nearly 100 dogs at a time has been an overwhelming experience for Heartland staff and volunteers. Every available kennel was filled with pet carriers, and everyone was scrambling to find pet toys and small kibble for the new arrivals.

Almost all the dogs Heartland usually shelters are medium and large dogs, so bite-sized kibble and toys for little mouths were in short supply.

Because the dogs were so unsocialized, many of them didn’t seem to know what to do with toys when presented to them, and licked them curiously, hoping they might be snacks. And while some dogs seemed eager for attention, others barked nervously, or hid in their kennels.

Because the plight of the dogs was publicized on local television and in newspapers, Heartland Director of Operations Jamie Fitzpatrick said support was already pouring in.

“We’ve been flooded with people wanting to help,” Fitzpatrick said. Donations of money, food, and offers of foster care were already arriving, and even late Monday night, the phone started ringing off the hook as soon as news of the dogs hit the airwaves and the Internet.

Fitzpatrick said all the dogs will need to find temporary foster homes as soon as they have veterinary and personality evaluations. If Brower is found guilty of animal neglect, and if she is ordered to give up the dogs, then Heartland can begin adopting them out permanently.

Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson said Tuesday that his office is still waiting information on the health and well-being of the animals taken from Brower’s home before making a final decision on what charges to file in the case. If veterinarians report that some animals have received injuries or have otherwise been harmed under Brower’s care, the charges of criminal neglect could rise to animal abuse, a more serious charge. However, there isn’t enough information yet to determine the dogs’ conditions.

“Any puppies or dogs forced to live under those conditions are placed in circumstances where their cries for help cannot be heard,” Haroldson said. In this case, “we become their voices.”

Given the number of community members eagerly wandering the rows of cages, cooing and pointing, it appears that at least a few people were already dreaming of opening their homes to a new furry friend or two. People interested in becoming a foster parent can fill out a form at www.heartlandhumane.org or drop by Heartland at 398 S.W. Twin Oaks Circle. Foster parents must go through background checks and receive training.

Donations are also being accepted. Money, small-sized kibble, and toys for small dogs are needed, as are puppy-urine pads. For more information, call 757-9000.

Anyone who believes they may have purchased a dog or puppy from Brower in the past that may have come with health problems or other issues can contact Lt. Greg Ridler of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 766-6858.