GRANTS - The recent dog hoarding case in Candy Kitchen has left a trail of community members asking themselves how that could have happened.

“I had gone down there about three weeks ago, but I didn't look around real well,” said Judy Curtis of a local animal advocacy group. “I think she was trying. She was overwhelmed with too much to do.”

Curtis said many of the animals Arleen Krippene were receiving were already injured.

Krippene is 73 years old and ran the “St. Francis Sanctuary for Animals” on her 17 acres in Cibola County. She was arrested June 10 and charged with 15 counts of extreme animal cruelty.

There is a positive outcome, however.

While many dogs had to be euthanized at the scene because of poor conditions, 11 dogs were taken to the Albuquerque Humane Association for a second chance at life. The animal in the worst condition at the sanctuary was named “Lily” and is to be the face of the Animal Protection Agency. Her photo will appear on billboards to show people the ravages of animal cruelty.

“I named her Lily, after the flower of rebirth,” said Heather Ferguson Legislative Director of the APA. “She certainly has a will to fight and get better.”

“Typically, (hoarders) start off wanting to do the right thing, the intentions start off good, but become overwhelmed,” said Curtis Childress, Director of Animal Control with Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office.

Childress's department was called in to assist because of the number of animals involved.

“I've got four dogs. I've got the time to give attention to all four dogs everyday,” said Childress, “if they're sick I know it, I can care for each of them.”

Childress said the law states animal owners are responsible to give animals proper sustenance of food, water and shelter. According to court documents Krippene was ordered to reduce her dogs to 15.

“In her case, I think 15 is probably too many,” said Childress.

Workers on the scene found a kennel license application stored away which hadn't been turned in.

“Based on conditions, she would never got a permit from Dona Ana County.

I wouldn't suspect she wouldn't pass as a kennel facility in Cibola County,” said Childress. “If I were the judge, and I'm not, I would take a long hard look at these pictures and seriously consider not allowing her to have any more animals until she can prove she can take of them.”

Lily and the others have undergone intensive care at the AHA including x-rays, blood work and behavioral testing to ensure the animals can be adopted.

The female pointer mix, was referred to as a walking dead and only a few days from death.

Now, Lily has made progress. She has made other dog friends and was able to make eye contact with handlers within this week. Lily has what looks like a basketball in her stomach after receiving three small meals a day to restore her to health.

Already, two other dogs have been adopted by loving families.

“She will be going into foster care as soon as a behavior plan is in place,” said Ferguson.

The other rescued dogs hope to follow Lily in recovery.