More than two-dozen local dogs who were slated to be euthanized are getting a second "leash" at life thanks to a nationwide initiative.
The staff at Hollywood Animal Hospital spent Friday afternoon prepping the dogs as they were being taken to a non-kill shelter in Philadelphia thanks to Pilots N Paws - an organization that helps transport animals in need of rescue around the country.
Friday and Saturday marks the group's National Annual Flyaway. This year, Pilots N Paws has a caravan of more than 85 planes that will transport more than 400 rescue animals from 37 rescue organizations from 13 states - including Florida - and take the animals to non-kill shelters throughout the U.S.
The pilots offer their services free of charge.
Due to Hurricane Joaquin, the organization stated on their Facebook page that not all of the transports would be taking place by air this year, but that they are still working to make sure all of the animals make it to their destinations. Many animals are instead being transported by bus.
The annual flight, also called "Brock's Memorial Flight," is named in honor of Brock - the first dog flown by Pilots N Paws and the inspiration behind the organization.
Pilots and Paws has connected with more than 5,000 volunteer pilots from every state in the U.S., and has helped organize lifesaving flight for more than 75,000 animals.
For more information, visit Pilots N Paws on the web.
