Group Of Stray Dogs Headed To Canada

They’re known as the “Canadian 7”: Biscuit, Puck, Hat Trick, Carom, Zamboni, Laser and Chirp.

On Monday, these seven canines are flying to Calgary, Canada. They are the latest animals at the Riverside County Animal Shelter to be spared from being put down.

It’s a program known as the Adoption Alliance. No-kill shelters are asked to take in some animals.

“Biscuit will be flying under the seat with RJ, the volunteer,” said Christina Castillo, program coordinator. “The other six dogs split up…into two large crates.”

Animal Alliance is a partnership between the county and Animal Samaritans.

“The facility has had some budget cuts and layoffs,” said Tom Snyder, of Animal Samaritans, “and they haven’t had the staff to do as much of the outreach.”

The Canadian 7 will fly on WestJet Airlines. It’s the first time any animals on the program are going to Canada.

The county and Animal Samaritans want to save as many animals as possible. For the first six months of this year, nearly 2500 dogs and cats were put down at the Thousand Palms location.

Since the program’s start a couple of months ago, nearly 500 dogs and cats have been rescued. The largest transport of animals on a single ride will take place August 10: 26 dogs are headed to Sacramento.

As for the Canadian 7, they’ve received their health check-ups and rabies vaccines. The Canadian animal shelter is paying for most of the traveling expenses.

The Little Mutts Rescue, in Calgary, handpicked the seven dogs through the county animal shelter’s Website where every animal’s picture was posted.

The Animal Alliance is seeking donations to continue the program. It needs blankets, towels, pet food and money to buy medicine.

If you’d like to help, please call Animal Samaritans at (760) 343-4271.