Some of the animals will be reunited with their owners while others will be put up for adoption
Hundreds of animals stranded in Afghanistan arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday night, after more than six months of rescue efforts by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
A total of 158 dogs and 146 cats touched down at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) aboard a specially converted Russian Ilyushin 76-TD aircraft after stops in Turkey and Iceland.
SPCA International said partners in Kabul reached out to them regarding the pets when U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan.
The groups hoped to evacuate the animals to North America at the time of the withdrawal, but the volatile situation combined with logistical issues resulted in the delay.
“These animals have been on the plane for quite some time,” Lori Kalef, director of programs for SPCA International, said prior their arrival. “We had to reroute at the last minute due to the conflict going on in Russia.”
From YVR, the animals will be transferred to a specially constructed 1,600-square metre facility.
Kalef said about 66 of the animals will be reunited with their owners, while another two dozen will stay with the SPCA until their owners are able to retrieve them.
The others will be put up for adoption across North America.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the animals can visit the SPCA International website. Applications will be handled by SPCA International and the B.C.-based RainCoast Dog Rescue Society.
Treacherous rescue mission
In a statement, the SPCA said numerous pets were left behind in shelters when their owners fled the country following the Taliban takeover.
A local charity, Kabul Small Animal Rescue, had saved more than 70 dogs from Kabul International Airport and rescued dozens of other animals abandoned by owners when they were forced to flee.
‘Dumped’ 16-Year-Old Dog’s Distressing Cries Rocked Woman To Her Core
At 16 years old, Link, a senior dog, found himself abandoned at a shelter, bewildered and heartbroken. The little dog, who had spent his entire life with one family, couldn’t understand why he was left behind and would cry for hours in confusion.
Enter Carly, who discovered Link through a photo shared by her friend Angel. Despite Link’s advanced age and health issues, Carly felt an immediate bond with him and knew she had to give him the loving home he deserved. Upon meeting him at the shelter, their connection was undeniable, with Link calming down as soon as he heard Carly’s voice and felt her soothing touch.
Without hesitation, Carly made the decision to adopt Link, giving him the chance for a new beginning in a forever home filled with love and care.
Image/Story Source Credit: GeoBeats Animals via YouTube Video
After Carly brought Link home, she observed how her own dog, Toad, was ecstatic to meet his new friend. In the initial days, Toad was particularly attentive to Link’s health concerns, staying by his side constantly. Link, troubled by skin problems, would often whine and itch. Recognizing Link’s distress, Toad assumed the role of his emotional support, a role he continues to fulfill to this day.
Image/Story Source Credit: GeoBeats Animals via YouTube Video
After two years with Carly, Link has transformed from a shy, almost furless dog into a vibrant, furry companion. Now approximately 18 years old, Link has regrown a significant amount of fur and appears entirely different. Toad, the cuddly 80-pound dog, adores his tiny 7-pound brother, and they are often found snuggled together on the couch.
Carly frequently hears comments from onlookers about the unique duo during their walks. Despite his advanced age, Link is an energetic and demanding dog, always ready to bark, explore, and meet new people.
Link’s health has seen considerable improvement under Carly’s care. Although he has a cataract in one eye that affects his vision, Carly has ensured that he receives all necessary treatments for his allergies and skin issues, allowing him to enjoy a much more comfortable and happy life.
Carly and Toad consider themselves fortunate to have Link in their lives and are thankful for the chance to care for him and shower him with love in his final years. While I can’t play videos, I can imagine the heartwarming scenes of Link’s remarkable transformation and his endearing bond with Toad. This story serves as a beautiful reminder that dogs of all ages are worthy of a forever home and the unconditional love they bring to our lives.
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