A mixed-breed dog — formerly named "Prince" — was rescued on Tuesday by a Goshen Humane Society volunteer, and has since been renamed, Phoenix.

The dog was immediately rushed to Flannery Animal Hospital for overnight care.

He is believed to have been subjected to improper breeding practices by someone with whom the Humane Society has become familiar in recent months.

"It's a recurring issue," Humane Society kennel worker Sheryl Eisen said Wednesday morning.

Management and staff said Prince is very likely the sibling of four dogs taken from a home on West Main Street in Goshen earlier this year.

No one answered the door at the West Main home on Wednesday when Spectrum News knocked.

There was, however, one dog inside peeking around a curtain and out the first floor window.

Kennel workers said that in other cases, inexperienced breeders have tried to breed dogs only to end up with offspring other than what they hoped for, leaving the breeder struggling to feed and properly care for the dogs until they can be sold or simply given away.

Once the dogs change hands, they are often emaciated and in need of medical care.

"A lot of it comes from people who think that they can make money off the puppies, and everyone says they're going to get a puppy from them," Eisen said. "Then when the puppies are born, there's nowhere for them to go, so they wind up in shelters."

Then, of course, is the money that goes along with taking neglected dogs to animal hospitals.

After the first four dogs were seized from the West Main home, their medical care cost nearly $4,000, according to a post by the Humane Society president on Facebook.

In less than one day, more than $5,400 was raised to pay for his vet bills.

Kennel workers hope dog buyers also realize that breeding is not so simple and act accordingly.

"A good breeder will show you their paperwork, show your their parents and show you what their puppies are going to be like when they grow up," kennel worker Taylor Cummings explained. "Definitely do your research before you get a dog from a breeder."

Humane Society management said they plan to pursue charges against the breeders of Prince and his siblings.

He remains at the hospital, and his recovery is uncertain.

The Humane Society recommends that anyone searching for a particular breed of dog go to reputable adoption sites that deal with verified owners and breeders.

Petfinder.com and Petstablished.com are both services they suggested.