The first of the chihuahuas rescued from the home of Kenneth Lang Jr. have been adopted.

On July 22nd over 90 dogs were found after authorities entered the property in Dearborn, Michigan.

The tan and chocolate-furred Chihuahua, who was one of 105 dogs rescued last month from a cramped and filthy Dearborn house, is now Som — renamed by his new owner Phuong Nguy of Royal Oak because the name represents the number three in Chinese.

Som and five other rescued Chihuahuas — Matador, Amuni, Bella, Angel and Tiny, also known as Precious Love — became the first to be adopted from the group when they were united Thursday with their new families in front of dozens of onlookers, news media and staff members at the Dearborn Animal Shelter on Greenfield Road.

The festive event featured toasts of sparkling white grape juice, a “Happy Re-Birthday” cake and smiles from the adoptive families, who were selected from more than 500 applicants.

“It was kind of love at first sight,” said the 29-year-old Nguy, holding Som upright in her arms as she described her choice.

While only six dogs left the shelter Thursday, more could be adopted out next week, shelter spokeswoman Sandra Boulton said. The dogs must pass a medical evaluation before they can be paired up with a prospective family. Before leaving the shelter, they are also spayed or neutered and microchipped.

The house which was filled with feces, trash strewn throughout, and dead dogs in the basement could be demolished within the next 60 days. Kenneth Lang Jr., the owner of the house, remains under psychiatric observation.

* Photos courtesy PATRICIA BECK/Detroit Free Press

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