It is perhaps the largest animal rescue in West Virginia history. Now, dozens of volunteers are trying to find homes for 1,000 dogs rescued from a Parkersburg puppy miill.

The owner is denying any wrongdoing, but chose to give up the purebred dogs rather than face possible prosecution. Sharon Roberts, who has operated Whispering Oaks Kennels since 1961, also agreed never to operate a dog-breeding business again.

More than 60 volunteers are helping care for the dogs in an emergency warehouse shelter. Rescuers say the dogs were never let out of their cages and rarely touched by a human being. The humane society called the kennel, "A grossly overrun breeding facility wrought with obvious animal neglect."

The costs of the rescue operation could exceed $100,000. Rescuers are looking for donations of newspapers, clean towels, and money.

If you'd like to help out, call the Humane Society of Parkersburg at (304)422-5541 or on the web at hsus.org.