One of several pups looking for a good home. (Photos by Sue Fitterman)

Puppies stole the show at the Farmers’ Market Oct. 4 as families gathered around the half dozen young dogs brought to the elementary school field by Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE). As children hugged and played with the friendly puppies, GDRNE volunteers explained the rescue program and adoption process.

GDRNE is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that finds permanent homes for abandoned dogs and puppies. Most of the puppies, which usually range from 15 to 20 weeks old, come from southern shelters. A strong chain of volunteers, both in the South and in New England, brings the young dogs north weekly, rescuing dogs that would otherwise be euthanized.

“We’re all in it for the dogs,” said GDRNE director and founder Joanne Reck.

Reck learned about the plight of many southern dogs when her family was looking to adopt a rescued breed. After first volunteering for another rescue organization, the Andover resident and architect started GDRNE to increase the number of available temporary fosters and final adoptions.

“There are just so many dogs out there that need a good home,” Reck said.

“We are also beginning to see more local dogs, with the rise in foreclosures.”

Whether dogs are from New England or elsewhere, GDRNE’s adoption process is the same. Each dog in Massachusetts is isolated for 48 hours at the GRDNE kennel on Ayer Road, where they are evaluated for health and temperament before going to a foster home to await their new home. An adopting family who fills out an application gets a follow-up phone interview, sometimes a home visit, and a veterinary reference if the family has other pets. Adoption fees are $400 for dogs, and $425 for puppies. All dogs are spayed or neutered before GDRNE releases them to their new homes.

Outside of Massachusetts, dogs can be transferred to adopting families directly from the south-to-north transportation route, without a state-required 48-hour quarantine. Many adoptions occur from the GDRNE’s website, www.GDRNE.com, where dogs can be selected before they arrive in New England.