Thirty-four rescue dogs from China met their “forever” families late Wednesday night just outside Vancouver International Airport.
Yi Ping Lai, founder of U.S.-based World of Angels, said these dogs were rescued from “dire situations” including from the dog meat trade, puppy mills and the streets.
“Seeing our dogs, who were suffering from cruelty and near-death experiences when we rescued them, finally have happy and loving families of their own is the most rewarding experience for us at World of Angels,” said Lai.
“That’s the best dream you can ever have as a rescuer.”
The dogs were picked up by families outside a cargo warehouse close to the airport, who waited for almost five hours with anticipation to finally meet their new pets and give them a forever home.
One adopter, Gabrielle Wasylyshyn, who travelled from Nanaimo, said she started looking online to adopt a dog a month ago and was really excited when her application process went smoothly.
"I'm excited, but a little nervous, but generally excited," said Wasylyshyn, adding that her dog is a mixed-breed with a "docile and calm" nature.
"Just getting everything sorted and seeing how she will react is something I'm really looking forward to."
However, bringing them over was complicated by COVID-19 and the high cost of flying animals from overseas.
World of Angels Foundation rescued the shelter dogs from Beijing, China, with the help of two other animal-rescue organizations, finding them adoptive homes in B.C.
Lai told the Richmond News the process to prepare everything for the shelter dogs to be flown to B.C. was “tremendously difficult,” but they were able to do so with the help of Lady Freethinker and Rescue Paws Canada.
“The cost of flying for the dogs is very expensive and we work really hard to raise the funds … and it costs over $2,000 U.S. per dog to fly on the plane,” said Lai.
“Another stressful moment was when one of the shelters in China was also being locked down because of a COVID-19 exposure and so we were trying to rush the dogs out of the shelters as fast as we could, or else they wouldn’t be able to leave or have a chance of leaving for a long time.”
However, she added, a “world of angels” came together to make this rescue mission possible despite the high costs.
Lady Freethinker donated $43,000 to World of Angels to help relocate the shelter dogs in this particular rescue.
“We want to take the opportunity to salute the many faceless animal heroes and activists in China who have collaborated and supported us through the challenging journey and express our gratitude to our partners, Lady Freethinker and Rescue Paws Canada, in helping us fly these dogs over and find them happy homes.”
