SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A local animal shelter has stepped in to provide urgent medical care and support for 23 dogs taken in from an overwhelmed owner. 22News explains what led to this situation and what further help is still needed. Hampden Sheriff’s CFO rescues woman from dog attack in West Springfield On Thursday, 14 males and 9 females were brought into Second Chance Animal Shelter.They're now receiving medical care before they can head to their new homes. "We want to help keep them in their homes as much as possible, but sometimes things happen," said the CEO of Second Chance, Sheryl Blancato. Nearly two dozen dogs have arrived at Second Chance Animal Shelter. The shelter's CEO told 22News, that the small breed dogs were retrieved from an overwhelmed owner. "He surrendered most of his dogs to us and kept a couple and the animal control officers are with him to get them fixed, but it just got out of control and he needed help," added Blancato. Second Chance Animal Services Second Chance Animal Services The dogs, all under four years of age and weighing 10 pounds or less, are a mix of Maltese, Poodle, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu breeds. The dogs, 14 males, and 9 females, are receiving the care they need, including spay/neuter surgeries, treatment for fleas, vaccines, testing, and other medical needs.  Second Chance has been hard at work making sure each dog gets fed, cleaned, and examined. "Knowing that like we are stepping up to help a group of dogs that otherwise might not be able to get the medical care they need, just makes me feel good every day when I come to work," said Foster Coordinator at Second Chance Animal Shelter, Danielle Bowes. Now these dogs are expected to be available for adoption in about a week after medical care is completed and they recover from surgery. Care for these dogs is estimated to cost about $15,000. It will go towards spay/neuter surgery, eye surgery, and medical exams To help cover the costs of medical care and finding each dog a loving home, Second Chance is welcoming monetary and dog food donations. "We've been overwhelmed already with several other cases so we are very busy and are food pantry is low," expressed Blancato. Each donation helps make sure the dogs are fed, in good health, and ready for a new home. To support the work being done at Second Chance or to learn how to adopt, visit their website. Local News Headlines Driver rescued after two-vehicles crash in Springfield intersection What kind of winter is expected in Massachusetts Here’s when Massachusetts usually sees snow Report shines light on “troubling trend” at Mass. hospitals WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.