Pocono News Section

Shelter Pups Get First Class Treatment To PA

Shelter Pups Get First Class Treatment To PA - Friday, March 5, 2010 at 4:49PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Friday, Mar 5, 2010 @ 05:49pm EST
AVOCA, LUZERNE COUNTY --Three puppies are starting new lives in Pennsylvania tonight after a very rough start. The family of dogs was dropped off at a shelter in Kentucky a couple weeks ago. But generous folks pitched in to save them. Our Jeff Chirico has the heart warming story.

Their arrival was a sight that would melt the hearts of even those who don't like dogs. Three pups and their mom --were almost destined for death if they weren't pulled from an overcrowded shelter. Today --they got first class treatment and a second chance.

It's the kind of media attention usually reserved for celebrities. But Friday afternoon, cameras and reporters caught the arrival of once down and out dogs. A Border collie mom and her three cuddly pups. Terri Florentino says “they're beautiful. Precious. I'll look forward to spending next few weeks with them"

Our hearts melt as these pups frolic on the tarmac at Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport. Chris Colson and another pilot flew the family here for free. The dogs were rescued from a kill shelter in Kentucky. "I fly anyway for fun and it's a chance to help some dogs out. Gets me to new locations and meet new friends."

Florentino --who runs a border collie rescue in Wayne county learned about these dogs online and volunteered to help find them homes. "It's a collaboration of people. It's fosters, shelters, rescuers, transporters, vets, it's everybody donating time."

Colson volunteers for a group called Pilots and Paws. "These are 9 and ten. I've transported. They don't complain. I know they're going to good homes." Terri says these pups will now get checked out and be ready for adoption in four weeks."

As one adorable pup strays from the plane --these folks can't bare to think what could have happened to her if she hadn't been saved from an overcrowded shelter. Florentino says shelters are packed in Kentucky because “there is less spay and neutering there."

From a plane to a waiting SUV --even a smitten newspaper reporter helps load a pup into the crate on her way to what will likely be a much brighter future.

If you're interested in adopting these dogs, contact the Bunker Hill Veterinary Hospital in Factoryville at (570) 945-5900.