Yellowknife (Sep 19/03) - About 20 people lined up at the Edmonton Humane Society Wednesday, in hopes of finding a new best friend.

As of Wednesday night, nine dogs of 39 shipped from Yellowknife had been adopted. Melissa Boisvert, spokesperson for the Edmonton Humane Society was overwhelmed.

"We are thrilled with yesterday's adoption numbers," she said.

Great Slave Animal Hospital sent the dogs south after close to 70 dogs were confiscated under the NWT Dog Act by the RCMP and were brought to Yellowknife's pound.

Potential owners in Edmonton were required to go through the full adoption process before taking home a dog.

They spent time with the animal of their choice, spoke to staff about proper animal care before signing the adoption papers. "The Edmonton Humane Society has an extremely responsible adoption process," said Amy Maund, adoptions coordinator at Great Slave Animal Hospital.

"They make sure people are really educated about the pets beforehand."

The society hopes to send another pack of dogs south after the first bunch settles in at new homes.

"We still want to send more dogs to Edmonton," said Maund.