In may 2010, a pilot program, “many happy returns” was launched in conjunction with LAAS and the Humane Society of Knox County Maine (HSKC) whereby chihuahuas unwanted in California would be flown to the East Coast.
Since then, there have been 3 flights, saving 45 chihuahuas. This has been a tremendous success and another shipment is scheduled for this spring. Safety of the dogs is paramount. All dogs are shipped by American Airlines. A veterinarian from Knox County meets the flight at Logan in Boston, along with other shelter staff. Within days all dogs are placed in loving homes. Adopters are pre-screened to expedite the process.
The concept of this self-sustaining program requires only one initial donation that could be recycled for subsequent flights. There is no other such self-sustaining rescue program for Chihuahuas. This concept eliminates the need for fundraising for each individual flight.
The pilot program is looking to expand by locating another shelter and making another donation to begin another series of flights. They are specifically looking for another receiving shelter to begin another chain of flights. If anyone reading this can offer suggestions or be of help to locate another receiving shelter for the unwanted chihuahuas in California, please contact Marge Fithian at [email protected] or by phone at 215-990-3632
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Comments 4
The reason they fly them is that chis are the number one purebred dog surrendered to shelters in cali. They have a much higher adoption rate here because they aren’t as overabundant.
Adoption Is Wonderful!! We Adopted Our 2nd Chihuahua Here In Our Home Town!! She Is So Loved & Such A Blessing To Our Home Now!! Its Amazing To See Change In An Animal, Like They Know They Are Getting A Second Chance And Are Finally Loved!! There’s Lots Of Sites Online To Find Chihuahuas Up For Adoption! The Thing To Worry About Is Them Being Flown To Their Homes, A Lot Of Fatalities Happen On The Flights. Its Best To Adopt Near/Close To The Area You Live. I Don’t Think Animals Should Be Put Through Extensive Uncessary Flights And Travel, Even If They Experience It Regularly It Is Very Stressful On Any Animal. I Think Its Irresponsible Of People To Buy A Pet & Then They Become Unwanted, Homeless And Neglected!! Its A Very Sad Thing!! It’s Refreshing To See Things Like This, Organizations And People With Compassion Making An Effort To Better The Lives Of Animals In Need!!
As much I love chihuahaus, and have one, this message is scattered, unorganized, and doesnt really say how “one person” can “help out”. and that is the problem with so called rescue organizations. So chihuahuas on the west coast, are flown to the east coast. WHy? what happens to them on the east coast that cant happen to them on the west coast. More information is needed, more information on what is happening to the people breeding them and why they need to be flown across country.
I’m in st pete fl and would love to have new baby ..I lost my precious baby in a back yard accident in june 2011..I miss him so but I feel I’m ready to give an unwanted chi a warm loving home…but I need to find one in my area in fl…but if I could afford to have one safely shipped to me from ca I’d glady do it