The Carroll County Animal Shelter got a big surprise last month when it received a special delivery of 17 abandoned puppies.

But this rag-tag bunch has made its way from abandonment to stardom.

Teresa Leslie, the president of the Carroll County Humane Society, said the members of her “Homeless Herd” have now become media hounds. The puppies have been featured on two local radio stations, and this week appeared on Fox 5 for the “Good Day Atlanta” program. Leslie said that the video is now available on the program’s website.

Two of the pups are on hold for adoption.

The puppies have come a long way since their discovery last week by a homeless man, who happened upon the abandoned group on Interstate 20 near the Temple exit. They appeared to be between 4 and 8 weeks old, and came from four different litters: seven from a bulldog/boxer mix; two from a Chihuahua litter; six from a Labrador mix, and two from a hound/spaniel litter.

After they were rescued and brought to the Carroll County Animal Hospital, it was discovered that the puppies had several health issues, ranging from worms to a small hernia. David Padgett, the foster care chairman for the Carroll County Humane Society, took it upon himself to foster all 17 puppies and nurse them back to health.

“It’s been a handful,” Padgett said. “But it’s also been kind of fun. Right now, they’re all together in one area, so you get bombarded with them. We’ve never had this many pups at one time.”

In addition to their past media adventures, the pups are in for more publicity. On Tuesday, they will again be featured on Fox 5. They will be live in the studio for the “Pet of the Day” feature.

For those who want to get a little more hands-on experience with the puppies, they will make an appearance today on Adamson Square in Carrollton. Leslie said they will be stationed just outside of Horton’s Books and Gifts for an adoption event that will run from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Leslie said she hopes the event and the publicity will help the group “get homes quickly, because they are swamping our foster program.”

Luckily for Leslie and Padgett, it seems that will not be a problem. Adoption offers have been pouring in. Two of the puppies, one of the bulldog/boxer mixes and one of the Labrador mixes, are on hold for adoption, and Padgett said his phone has been “blowing up” ever since the media features. Each puppy has its own unique personality — now they just need homes.

It will cost $100 to adopt a member of the “Homeless Herd.” This fee covers the pet’s general health care. All of the puppies have received up to their second set of shots, have been de-wormed, and will be spayed and neutered.

“Animals don’t go out the door without it,” Leslie said.

They are scheduled to go to the vet for the procedure next week.

For information regarding the puppies, contact Padgett at 678-378-7040.

Information, including pictures, will also be posted on the Carroll County Humane Society’s website, carrollcountyhumane.org, and on Facebook under Carroll County Humane Society.