A local woman recently helped save hundreds of dogs living in deplorable conditions. Ann-Margaret Johnston, a certified public accountant in Cumming, was appointed earlier this year to the Georgia State Council of the Humane Society of the United States, or HSUS. Johnston said the group is the nation’s largest animal protection organization and not affiliated with local Humane Society offices. As a member of the state council, Johnston said she and her husband, David, had the opportunity last week to take part in a raid on a puppy mill operation in Johnston, S.C., near the Georgia state line.