THURMONT, Md. -- Maryland's Frederick County Animal Shelter is making a plea for help from area residents after 75 dogs were dropped off at the shelter.

Animal control agents said the dogs -- 10 different small breeds -- need new homes and good care after a concerned citizen brought them in.

The shelter has a "no refuse" policy, which means that its staff has to act quickly to deal with the 75 additional dogs after already taking in more than 100 new pets in February.

Thirty-four dogs were found wandering around the county and taken to the shelter on Feb. 5. All but three have been adopted so far.

Officials said the latest group of dogs were in fairly good shape but still need some help. Some are reportedly social but not house trained.

Animal control officials said an unidentified Thurmont man brought the dogs in after a friend from St. Mary's County asked him to watch them.

Agents said the man became overwhelmed and when he tried to contact his friend, the other man was nowhere to be found.

So far some have been taken to shelters in Loudon County, Virginia and Ocean City. About half have been placed in foster homes, which has been a big help for Frederick County.

In the meantime, Frederick County authorities are continuing to work with those in St. Mary's County to determine -- once the owners are found -- if charges should be filed.

"We are working very feverishly and aggressively to try and locate the original owners," one detective said.