Rescue of Kuwaiti Dogs Now Complete

May 17, 2010

Eight more dogs arrived at Dulles International Airport last Wednesday, bringing the total number of canine refugees from Kuwait to 27 and completing the rescue. Among this final contingent were two pugs, four mixed breeds of various types, and two desert dogs, which are indigenous to Kuwait.

Altogether the League welcomed six separate shipments of dogs since their animal shelter, the only one in the country, burned in late March. Booking the refugees on international flights became a challenge after the Icelandic volcano closed air travel over much of Europe, so the dogs had to be sent on multiple flights instead of a s a group.

Only three of the original 19 dogs—Eddie, Indigo, and Einar—are still at the League. Given their winning dispositions and the broad media attention their rescue engendered, most of the Kuwaiti dogs found new homes in near record time. The latest arrivals were just made available over the weekend, and many of them already have pending adoption applications.

“To the last one, these have all been delightful dogs,” according to Tina Zarate of the League’s behavior and training department. “It’s been an honor to work with them and to play a role in the rescue of such friendly, deserving animals.”

To see pictures of the dogs the League took in from Kuwait, visit their photo album here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/warl/sets/72157623950438544/

To read the original story on the rescue of the Kuwait dogs, visit this page.