ALPHARETTA, Ga. (AP) — Dozens of abandoned golden retrievers rescued from Turkey have arrived in Atlanta and have been placed at a boarding facility in Fulton County to be adopted.

Multiple news outlets report the Adopt a Golden organization helped bring 36 purebred golden retrievers from Istanbul, Turkey, to Alpharetta in the largest international golden rescue ever Saturday.

The dogs arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport late Saturday night after a 12-hour flight and seven-hour layover and were taken to Pet Lodge pet resort.

Each dog was abandoned by its owner when the golden retriever, once a status symbol for Turkey, stopped being popular.

The dogs have never heard English and have their own interpreter. They will be available for adoption in early June after an adjustment period.