FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - Dozens of pets in search of a “fur-ever” home took flight at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport this weekend, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Miami-Dade County Animal Services partnered with Wings of Rescue, Friends of Miami Animals Foundation Inc. and several rescue partners to transport more than 100 dogs and cats out of South Florida, Saturday morning.
“We have 67 dogs, 37 cats, a total of 103 animals traveling to Maine and Delaware,” said Bronwyn Stanford with MDAS.
The pets took off from overcrowded shelters in Miami-Dade. Their destinations are areas where there aren’t enough animals for families to adopt.
Organizers said the transport helps save the lives of these shelter pets. Once they touch down in northeastern states, they said, it won’t take long for the dozens of four-legged travelers to be adopted.
“These pets are all going to be on somebody’s couch, probably by Wednesday or Thursday,” said Ric Browde, president and CEO of Wings of Rescue. “Ninety-five percent of them will be on somebody’s treasured family member’s couch.”
Saturday’s flight is just one of many that Wings of Rescue hopes to make in the coming days.
“Wings of Rescue is flying nine flights over 12 days. They’re moving 500 pets out of crowded shelters,” said Yolanda Berkowitz with Friends of Miami Animals Foundation. “We’re very happy to be a very small part of this, and we can’t wait to see our pets on the other side.”
Some of the dogs and cats who were flown out on Saturday were considered long-term residents of MDAS. Others are seniors or medically needy.
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