It took almost a year to get them here, but now they can just rest and enjoy their new “strings” in life.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Dozens of dogs rescued from a shelter in Honduras have arrived in West Michigan.
It took almost a year to get them here, but now they can just rest and enjoy their new “strings” in life.
On a chilly Friday morning, a transport vehicle carrying 31 dogs arrived at its final stop in Grand Rapids.
“It was a little bit emotional. It was like, did this really just happen because they're here,” said Tanya Mitz, vice president of Michelle's Rescue.
After three days of isolation, the CDC gave Michele's Rescue all-clear at 11 p.m. Wednesday (April 24).
The dogs were then packed into crates for the trip to West Michigan.
“600 animals were left without food, water, electricity and no one to take care of them and that was a big deal. Well, we felt we needed to do what we could. So to make it right, we're doing our best to make it right,'' Mitz said.
There will definitely be confusion after shipping.
Adopters and foster parents met the puppies for the first time, took a quick bathroom break, and then headed to their new homes.
“It was a long wait, but it was well worth it,” said Adrianna Paez Robinson, foster parent and prospective foster parent at Michele’s Rescue.
Some people go the extra mile to make their dogs feel welcome.
“We've been taking babbling classes to learn the language. We're going to have them watch Bluey and maybe Paw Patrol so they can learn English that way,” said adoptee John. Connell said.
Connell and his wife decided to adopt not one, but two dogs.
“We saw this on Michelle's Rescue and my wife couldn't leave the website. We found these two and said they are now Connell dogs” Connell said. “It was such a sad story of what happened to all these dogs. It broke our hearts, and that's why we adopted two.”
Some dogs are already adjusting well.
Go on a hike, sleep on the couch, or snuggle up in a blanket.
Living in a dirt floor kennel on Roatan is something I have never experienced before.
“I think the important thing is to take your time. Be really patient with them and make sure they have their space, a safe place. It's going to take them a while to understand that this is their new home.” '' Paez-Robinson said.
Once that happens, they only experience unconditional love from their family thanks to Michele's rescue.
About half of the dogs have already been adopted, but some are still waiting for their forever homes.
The rescue effort is also in need of donations to help with medical and other costs.
If you would like to help or adopt a Honduran Dog of Hope, please visit here.