Planeload of abandoned dogs and cats from Afghanistan arrives in Vancouver

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.

Title: Heartwarming Scene of a 2-Year-Old and his Faithful Canine Friends Awaiting His Mother’s Return by the Fence Goes Viral.

Every day in a peaceful suburb, a touching spectacle unfolded that quickly became the darling of a steadily expanding online audience. A pair of loyal four-legged friends and a 2-year-old boy would converge excitedly by the wrought-iron fence in their front yard, their eyes dancing with anticipation as they awaited a very special moment: the arrival of their cherished mother after a tiring day at work.

From the moment he was born, the little boy had developed an unbreakable connection with his two furry companions. They were more than just household pets; they were his ever-faithful playmates and trusted confidants. The Golden Retriever and Border Collie duo showed nothing but endless love and loyalty to their young companion, spending their days exploring, playing, and sharing moments of pure happiness.

One thing that really caught my attention was the daily routine of waiting for Mom. It happened every afternoon when the sun started to set. The three of them would head to the front yard and gather around the iron fence. You could feel the excitement in their hearts, as their tails were wagging non-stop in anticipation of seeing Mom.

As Mom’s return time drew near, the boy’s face would light up with excitement and he’d exclaim “Mommy’s coming home!” The dogs seemed to understand everything and would join in with their barks, adding to the joyful noise. Even passersby couldn’t help but smile at the heartwarming scene. This lovely daily tradition quickly gained popularity online as videos and photos of the trio eagerly waiting for Mom began to circulate on social media. The little boy’s contagious enthusiasm and the dogs’ unwavering loyalty touched the hearts of thousands of viewers from all over the world. Comment sections were flooded with admiration for the loving bond shared between the 2-year-old boy and his furry companions, with many commending the family for creating such a close-knit and joyous environment for their child.

The sight of a mother coming home to a warm welcome from her son and dogs is a heartwarming reminder of the simple yet profound joys life has to offer amidst a busy world. This story exemplifies the beauty of the bond between humans and animals, highlighting the power of family ties. It has left a lasting impression on the internet community, prompting us to cherish the precious moments that make our lives truly special.

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