Rescued dogs get second chance at life

More than 800 dogs and cats from animal shelters in California are getting a second chance at life, and about 30 of them arrived Friday afternoon in Redmond on a special flight, one of many around the West.

About 30 dogs were flown from Southern California to Central Oregon. Volunteers with BrightSide Animal Center of Redmond and Humane Society of the Ochocos in Prineville were waiting for them to arrive and told NewsChannel 21 their goal is to find each of these pets a loving home.

“You can just tell how happy they are, ’cause they know they are going to get a second chance and we’re giving them that. It’s pretty amazing.” one volunteer said.

Several shelters from all across the nation, including Idaho, Montana and Oregon coordinated with Wings of Rescue to make the latest one-day event happen.

Wings of Rescue pilots donate their time and planes for the holiday airlift, which takes animals from crowded shelters to no-kill facilities elsewhere. The group has relocated more than 16,500 pets over the past five years.

“Personally, it’s just rewarding, because I know we’re going to find great homes for these dogs that otherwise would be euthanize,” said Heather O’Daniel,,executive director of Humane Society of the Ochocos.

The rescued dogs will be going through health screenings. The dogs will be made available for adoption as soon as they’re vaccinated.

To learn more: http://www.wingsofrescue.org/