Rescued from the Louisiana flooding, dozens of dogs – and one cat – arrived in San Diego County on Friday afternoon.
The dogs, puppies and adult pooches, came by private plane to Gillespie Field in El Cajon from the flood-torn state in hopes of finding a new home on the West Coast.
The dogs were separated from their families and are in need of homes. In some cases, the families had to relinquish the dogs because shelters could not accept them.
They were met on Friday by animal rescue volunteers who scooped them up, petted them and rubbed their bellies as a way to say welcome to San Diego.
The arrival of the 65 dogs and one cat was made possible by the local animal rescue group Thrive Animal Rescue and Labradors and Friends Rescue, which raised about $20,000 from supporters to pay for the plane trip.
“We’ve been flooded with love,” said Cece Blume of Thrive Animal Rescue.
Blume said the dogs’ rescue was an emotional experience for activists and volunteers who heard devastating stories about the homeless animals.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
“We pulled a dog that was literally going to die in 30 minutes,” she said.
The dogs will be examined by a veterinarian and receive needed vaccinations. Each will also be spayed or neutered before offered up for adoption.
The dogs will be available for viewing beginning Saturday, Sept. 24 with adoptions beginning on Friday, Sept. 30.
The adoptions are available through local groups Thrive Animal Rescue, Labradors and Friends Rescue, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, Spot Animal Rescue and LA area group Animal Samaritans. The groups will be updating their social media pages with information about the dogs and the adoption process.
