Some of the animals will be reunited with their owners while others will be put up for adoption
Hundreds of animals stranded in Afghanistan arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday night, after more than six months of rescue efforts by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
A total of 158 dogs and 146 cats touched down at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) aboard a specially converted Russian Ilyushin 76-TD aircraft after stops in Turkey and Iceland.
SPCA International said partners in Kabul reached out to them regarding the pets when U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan.
The groups hoped to evacuate the animals to North America at the time of the withdrawal, but the volatile situation combined with logistical issues resulted in the delay.
“These animals have been on the plane for quite some time,” Lori Kalef, director of programs for SPCA International, said prior their arrival. “We had to reroute at the last minute due to the conflict going on in Russia.”
From YVR, the animals will be transferred to a specially constructed 1,600-square metre facility.
Kalef said about 66 of the animals will be reunited with their owners, while another two dozen will stay with the SPCA until their owners are able to retrieve them.
The others will be put up for adoption across North America.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals can visit the SPCA International website. Applications will be handled by SPCA International and the B.C.-based RainCoast Dog Rescue Society.
Treacherous rescue mission
In a statement, the SPCA said numerous pets were left behind in shelters when their owners fled the country following the Taliban takeover.
A local charity, Kabul Small Animal Rescue, had saved more than 70 dogs from Kabul International Airport and rescued dozens of other animals abandoned by owners when they were forced to flee.
MAN RESCUES POOR ABANDONED PUPPY AND ENRICHES HIM WITH A LOVING FOREVER HOME!
A heartfelt moment, Meets the Person Who Stopped the Pit Bull Puppy’s Death
Even while it might be difficult at times, there are many lovely moments that can only be made possible by the selfless efforts of volunteers.
Joey Wagner, a marine biologist from Nova Scotia in Canada, volunteers at the Baie Ste Marie Animal Society. A pit bull mix dog who had been cruelly mistreated and needed some tender loving care was brought to Joey’s attention in 2013. Joey showed up just as the dog was going to die.
Joey and the rescue crew took the puppy, whose they called Mojo, to Parade Street Vet, PEI Small Animal Hospital for treatment of acute dehydration and demodectic mange. He had totally lost all of his fur and was covered in mite bites by the time he was three months old. As Joey watched, the puppy’s mange was becoming worse as a result of malnutrition and his unhygienic living conditions.
In a Facebook post, Joey said, “When Mojo was surrendered, it was a very short process and a very emotional time.”
As Mojo battled for his life, Joey and his wife Leta fell in love with him. Despite the terrible suffering he had through, Mojo shown a profound ability for compassion and forgiveness. After hearing about his problems, a lot of people asked for his assistance.
As soon as Mojo spotted Joey, his little tail began to wag. Joey writhed his entire body to get closer to his new father, his face covered in kisses. Joey couldn’t help but grin as Mojo thanked him for giving him another opportunity at life.
Joey and Mojo’s joyful reunion has been enjoyed by the globe for more than seven years. Mojo is happy and well-cared for now that he is a member of Joey and Leta’s team. He never entirely grew his fur back, but he doesn’t seem to mind. Since then, the Wagner family has used his tale to inspire others and generate money for animal rescue groups.
The nuanced reaction from Mojo proved that animals possess intellect. Joey had aided Mojo when he was at his most helpless. Their separation is minimal.
Watch the video down below to see Mojo’s sweet response.
Leave a Reply