20 golden retrievers rescued from Turkey

LOS ANGELES -- After a long journey to Southern California, 20 golden retrievers are finally on a path to a loving forever home.

The dogs were rescued by a woman in Istanbul, Turkey, who reached out to Golden Retriever Rescues in the U.S.

"They were once a status symbol among the wealthy and kind of lost their luster and were released onto the streets," Kevin Shipley with Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies said. "They don't do well with the feral dog packs over there."

Golden Retriever Rescues from Southern California and Colorado said the breed is in such high demand in the U.S. that people are on waiting lists to adopt. Organizers helped foot the bill to transport the dogs halfway across the world to the U.S.

"It turns out to be about $2,500 per dog with airfare and vet checks," Barbara Gale with Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue said.

The dogs will be placed in foster homes until they are matched with families who have already filled out adoption papers.