Goodness of local people savess 101 lives

Approximately 100 dogs who were housed at the Porterville Animal Shelter have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season and No. 1 on their list ought to be the good hearted residents of Porterville.

Led by Porterville Animal Control supervisor Augie Gonzalez, the 100 dogs are on their way to new homes after 71 of them were flown out this week and another 30 will be delivered to new homes by truck.

The dogs, mostly small to medium sized dogs that Porterville has an abundance of, were able to be sent to out of state new homes because residents responded to a plea for donations to cover the expense of flying them out. In the span of just a week, more than $3,000 was raised and several more residents donated their small animal carrier to be used to transport the dogs.

Two dog rescue organizations contacted Gonzalez a couple of weeks ago seeking the smaller dogs. Most went to Oregon, with 20 going to Canada. Four airplanes landed in Porterville on Saturday to take most of the dogs to Oregon, then on Monday the remaining 20 were flown out.

It was not just the many people who donated. Several volunteers helped get the dogs ready for the flights, and local veterinarian Dr. Charles Albers donated most of his services to ensure the dogs were healthy for the trip and adoption.

Not only did all those responsible for this Christmas miracle for the dogs save the lives of the dogs — half probably would had been put down — they probably brightened the lives of scores of children and families who will adopt them. Just imagining a child playing with their new puppy is reward enough.

This is not the first time scores of dogs have been shipped out of Porterville for adoption elsewhere, but the overwhelming response of residents certainly made this rescue all the more rewarding. Congratulations and thanks to all who played a part.