Twenty rescued golden retrievers met their forever families Sunday. The dogs had a long journey from China, where they were saved from a China meat market.
Thanks to Golden Rescue South Florida, the dogs have their first place to call home and a second chance at life. It was a lengthy process and, for many, an emotional time.
“Thank God,” said Patrick McGrath, fighting back the tears. He was one of the people bringing a golden retriever home. “We got her. She will have a life,” he said.
What Happens in the China Meat Market
“Currently in China, they’re for meat consumption,” said rescue coordinator Kristine Minerva. “They eat the dogs for meat, so this has been a rescue six months in the making.”
Minerva said it required medical testing, examinations for the dogs, and getting them through customs. Due to the pandemic, the group could not do its usual fundraiser but raised the $60,000 it took to get the dogs in Florida.
$50,000 & 6 months of planning leads to the moment 20 golden retrievers destined to be slaughtered for meat in China are saved!👏🙏👏🙏👏🙏#DogMeatTrade #CCPChina #Dogs #RescueDogs #RESCUED https://t.co/HyIHRQIFzC
— Love without Borders (@LoveIsNeededNow) December 22, 2020
They needed people with a little extra love to give.
“These dogs have been through traumatic experiences, so some don’t know how to act like a dog,” Minerva explained. “So it’s going to take a lot of patience and training. and a lot of determination to get the dog to that golden breed and that golden demeanor, which we know they all can be.”
Katie Brown and Jon Knitter were up to the challenge.
An Inspiring Rescue
“This is what rescue is all about”. “Taking the time to give the unconditional love to animals that they give to us.”
“They need a second chance,” said fellow adopter Hunter Hazelton.
Once the dogs received a checkup, a quick bath, and some snacks, they were ready to go home. As Brown pointed out, it was well worth the wait.
“This is the happiest day in 2020 for me,” Brown said. “ We’ve been on such a long journey and to have her here is incredible. It makes our year.”
Local businesses donated bags with food and other supplies.
Source: kenoshanews
