Animal charity saves 25 dogs by flying them over to the UK

Split image of a woman in a face mask holding a dog, and a couple holding a dog
The dogs met their new owners when they arrived at the airport (Picture: Madeleine Poolman)

An animal charity has just saved the lives of 25 dogs .

Wild at Heart Foundation teamed up with IAG Cargo and British Airways in order to rescue furry-legged friends in dire need of being transferred from shelters in Greece, where they would likely have died, to their forever homes in the UK. The planes were already scheduled to head to Britain, carrying food and supplies, so the lucky dogs got to ride along for free. Volunteers escorted the pups from the Greek island of Lesvos to Athens, where they stayed overnight in a pet hotel before catching their flight.

All of the dogs had been adopted ahead of the journey.

Twelve of them were introduced to their new owners at Heathrow airport, while the remaining 13 were picked up by the 101 Pet Express and transported to their various homes across the country, including as far as Aberdeen.
A woman and a man holding a dog wrapped in a blanket
A couple finally pick up their rescued pooch (Picture: Madeleine Poolman)
‘We are thrilled to have been given the chance to transform the lives of these innocent animals,’ said Nikki Tibbles, founder of Wild at Heart Foundation.

‘Each and every one of them deserves so much more than a life of starvation and neglect on the streets.’

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Your dog can smell your feelings. In fact, your dog’s sense of smell is approximately 100,000 times better than yours. So it shouldn’t be shocking that they can in fact, smell things such as fear. When a human is fearful, they perspire, and a dog is easily able to pick up on this change.

A woman wearing a face mask and holding a dog against a black background
Both a stylish dog and cute face mask (Picture: Madeleine Poolman)
Photo of a man's back, with a dog peeking over his shoulder
The dogs would have likely starved to death in Greece, had they not been saved (Picture: Madeleine Poolman)
A man and a woman holding a dog
Each of the 25 dogs are now in their forever home (Picture: Madeleine Poolman)

‘This is a truly unique opportunity that feels all the more special given the current climate… in a time where compassion and collaboration mean more than ever before.

‘It’s moments like these that motivate us to keep doing what we do.

‘With over 600 million stray dogs globally, our mission is to put an end to the suffering of strays the world over can often feel like a daunting one… but we believe that every single dog, no matter where it is born, no matter its size, breed, age or circumstance, deserves to know health, happiness and genuine love.

No arguments here.

A woman with a face mask holding a dog
Avoiding slobbery dog kisses – another use for face masks (Picture: Madeleine Poolman)

If you fancy adopting a dog of your own, you can visit the animal charity’s website.

In other dog news, a woman has launched a fundraiser to build a centre for disabled dogs in the UK .

Victoria Bryceson has raised £4,635 out of £20,000 so far.

She hopes to reach the goal soon, so that she can open the centre in 2020.

Want to help? You can find more information on the GoFundMe page.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk .

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