Each pup was well fed, was happy and had a name.

The problem lies in the numbers, up to 50 wagging tails, and in the failing health of the military retiree who adopted every abandoned dog wandering up to his home looking for care and love.

"It is the most heart-breaking case I've ever seen," said Barb Shepherd, director of operations for Animal Advocates of Moore County.

In cooperation with Moore County Animal Control, Animal Advocates, the Companion Animal Spay/Neuter Clinic and concerned veterinarians, a rescue effort is under way to save the dogs from euthanasia and spare a few to remain with their ailing owner.

Shepherd said the dogs have not been abused or neglected, and this is definitely not a case of cruelty to animals. Nevertheless, it is clear that the owner, who asked that his name not be disclosed, can no longer take care of 50 dogs.

Alerted to the big dog population at the man's home, animal control officers visited the residence after a highway patrolman reported that dogs were beginning to run into the roadway, endangering themselves and passing motorists.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's print edition of The Pilot.