ELKHART COUNTY — Two dozen Border Collies made the trek from central Tennessee to Northern Indiana Saturday night. The Humane Society of the United States said more than 100 of the dogs were rescued from an alleged puppy mill.

Pet Refuge in Mishawaka says the dogs were found in deplorable conditions. Officials say they were housed in filthy and cramped cages.

Sheriff's deputies from Central Tennessee said the owner of All Around Border Collies bred the animals to sell them online.

This isn't the first time dogs from an alleged puppy mill were brought to our area. Thirty-five dogs from southern Indiana were rescued back in June.

They were examined, vaccinated, groomed and adopted out to people like Mike Compton.

"We've been dog lovers and we had one pass away. We saw him and decided we wanted to bring him home," he said.

Murphy, an energetic Cocker Spaniel, is not your average dog. He was among the abused and neglected puppy mill dogs brought to Pet Refuge in June.

"We weren't sure what to expect," Compton said.

But the decision is one Compton does not regret.

"I won't say that he's been perfect in house breaking, but he does very well," Compton said.

It's the same scenario for Kimberly Henderson and Butters. Their bond is evident now, but Henderson was prepared for a few challenges.

Normal tasks, like walking on a leash, weren't so common for Butters. She spent most of her days in a cramped cage.

"It took her awhile to get used to a leash and a collar. Now that she's used to that, she runs all over and walks all over," Henderson said. "They are so special, but they do require a lot of work. The extra appreciation they give back is so unbelievable."

What truly started as a mission to help has turned into a lesson for both owners.

"I've never experience a bond like we've got now," Henderson said.

With a commitment to love and being loved, Butters is right at home.

So is Murphy.

"It took Joe, our other dog, time to adjust," Compton said.

But now he fits right in and has made the Compton family whole again.

The dogs that were rescued Saturday night will be placed in foster homes for a few weeks. They will then be available for adoption.