Forty-eight dogs, from overcrowded shelters in Texas, were handed down from the Mobile Rescue Unit at North Shore Animal League America’s Port Washington, NY campus to waiting volunteers and staff yesterday. Most were eager to stretch their legs after the long journey from Abilene, Texas. They were mostly adult small breed mixes with Chihuahua, Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Rat Terrier, Wirehaired Terrier, Corgi, and more.
The Rescue Team had just been through a long 3,500 mile, seven day round trip in their race to save lives that had been the culmination of six weeks of planning with Rescue the Animals SPCA in Abilene. “It is really great that we are rekindling a relationship with this long-time shelter partner who we’ve worked with on our Tour for Life,” said Sylvia Ottaka, Senior Director of Admissions and Rescue Operations. “This organization always goes all out with everything they do and they went all out for this rescue.”
Rescue the Animals SPCA serves as a hub for rescuing animals from over 20 West Texas counties and throughout the Southwest. They contacted Animal League America because they wished to resume transports to the East Coast and they knew that we would take great care of these dogs and find them loving homes.
The dogs are now being given the chance to settle down after such a long trip. Many of the dogs needed to groomed immediately. They will be examined by our veterinarians, evaluated by our Pet Behavior staff, and then move on to find happy homes through our Lewyt Canine Adoption Center.
“These are 48 incredible, beautiful dogs and they are adjusting well,” commented Sylvia Ottaka. “We will be continuing with this partnership so we can save more lives together.”