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RED LODGE - It was a doggone reunion for handfuls of rescued English Shepherds, most of whom were rescued from Operation New Beginnings.

Just one year ago, the group wrapped up its caretaking for hundreds of dog seized from Ballantine breeder Linda Kapsa. In total more than 200 dogs were adopted out across the country and today dozens of them met again.

Rachel Smith was one of a few dozens owners who came from across the country for the gathering. Smith and her dog Pilot live in Pasadena, California. She says she ordered her dog from Shady Lane Kennels and found out about the raid, when her pup was just four months old.

"Just heartbreak that I helped contribute to what she was doing and then in the same token I love the dog that we got out of it. My heart breaks thinking if he would've been kept in that situation had we not got him out of there," said Smith.

Barb Berry lives in Yellowstone County and started volunteering January first 2009. Berry adopted two dogs, Faith and Dixie, and says this experience has taught her a lot.

"They gave to me more than I ever gave to them and I probably would do it again, but boy it was long and tiring," said Berry about the long days and cold nights many handlers put in.

Jim Lewis was also one of the faithful volunteers. In the end he took home Harmony and says her life is pretty comfortable.

"One of the things Linda Kapsa said was that she didn't want the dogs to be turned into poodles. Well, Harmony likes to be in the air conditioning so maybe Harmony's a bit of a poodle," said Lewis.

Helen McMillin came from Orange County, California with Maddy and Libby. She says Maddy has experience some physical problems from the conditions at Kapsa's home.

"When they first took her in they thought she was six months old. They turned her over and said 'Oh she's had several litters of puppies' and it turns out she was five years old, but she was as small as a six-month-old," said McMillin.

She says these four legged friends' transformations have inspired their owners.

"They're incredible dogs. They have an incredible spirit and I wish that more humans had the ability to recover like these dogs have."

Most of the owners say they have found some common behavioral issues among the dogs such as being weary of people and loud noises. While they have been rehabilitated, most of these dogs they will need constant attention and training to work out their issues.

Owners say they are already looking forward to next year's reunion.