After Tropical Storm Hilary, 20 shelter dogs from the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Riverside County, California, have been rescued and transferred to the Dane County Humane Society in Wisconsin for adoption. The director of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, Erin Gettis, expressed her hope that this transfer will increase the chances of these dogs finding their forever homes.
"When it comes to pet adoptions, every day is critical for ensuring that the pets in our care will have a positive outcome," said Gettis. She also expressed concern that the animals, especially the large dogs, would remain in the shelter without a chance to find a loving home.
The rescue operation was made possible through the collaboration of various organizations, including the Bianca Rae Foundation, The Grand Paw, Humane Society of the Desert, Loving All Animals, and Wings of Rescue. Wings of Rescue, a nonprofit organization specializing in transporting pets to safety by chartered flights, facilitated the transfer of the dogs to Wisconsin.
Overcrowding issues in shelters, both locally in Riverside County and nationwide, have added to the urgency felt by animal services officials. Among the 20 dogs rescued, many were large breeds such as German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies. Gettis emphasized that large dog breeds contribute significantly to the overcrowding problem in shelters, making their transfer even more beneficial.
Dane County Humane Society Public Relations Coordinator Lisa Bernard expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Wings of Rescue and the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. She expressed hope that the dogs will find new homes within their new community.
Ric Browde, President and CEO of Wings of Rescue, expressed his enthusiasm for assisting large dogs, as they can be challenging to find homes for. Wisconsin has a higher demand for these breeds, making the transfer a win-win situation. Browde highlighted the importance of their organization's role, stating, "sometimes the only thing standing between an unwanted pet in one place and a new home somewhere else is a flight on one of our planes."
The transfer of these shelter dogs to Wisconsin not only provides them with a second chance at finding a loving family but also helps alleviate the overcrowding issue faced by shelters in Riverside County. With the collaborative efforts of various organizations, these dogs now have a better opportunity for a positive outcome.