Canine refugees from California wildfires touch down in Kootenai County

Debbie Jeffrey had a few words to describe the weary, scruffy canines that arrived at Companions Animal Center following a flight from California on Sunday. 

“I think they’re beautiful,” said CAC’s executive director. 

About 15 dogs, mostly smaller and one with puppies just a few days old, arrived at StanCraft Jet Center on a sunny afternoon. Staff and volunteers quickly helped transport their kennels from the aircraft to a waiting van and SUV for the short drive to the shelter on Atlas Road. 

After medical evaluations and shots, some could be up for adoption this week. The Terriers, Malteses, Poodles, one Cocker-looking mix and Pomeranian/Chihuahua-mix puppies appeared healthy.

“They will go fast. People are always looking for small dogs,” said Vicky Nelson, CAC development director. 

Paws for Life K9 Rescue joined forces with Wings of Rescue to fly hundreds of adoptable dogs from shelters in the Los Angeles area to partner rescue organizations in nearby states.  

The goal is to free up space in the Paws for Life facility, allowing them to expand their services and provide urgent shelter to dogs displaced or impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. 

Dogs were also flown to Seattle and Missoula.

“By transferring available dogs to locations with greater adoption opportunities, we can help these animals find loving homes while addressing the immediate needs of those canines affected by this natural disaster,” a press release said.  

Paws for Life has taken in more than 250 dogs affected by the wildfires.   

Amy Palomino, a worker on the flight, said after a rainy start in the morning, conditions were good and the canines did well.

“Hopefully they will get homes,” she said. 

Paws for Life K9 Rescue is a nonprofit dedicated to saving homeless and at-risk dogs. Its People and Pet Innovation Center in Mission Hills, Calif., houses up to 175 dogs. 

Wings of Rescue has flown previous missions in North Idaho. The charity air transports abandoned pets from overcrowded shelters, disaster areas and animal-welfare organizations. 

Nelson said CAC is at capacity with large dogs but has only four smaller ones.

The new arrivals are expected to be popular.

“It’s the large breed dogs we have too many of,” she said. “Nobody is surrendering small breeds, but that’s all people want.” 

    Sophie Emerson, a canine technician at Companions Animal Center, holds one of the new California arrivals on Sunday.
  

    Dogs wait in their kennels at StanCraft Jet Center in a van after their flight from California on Sunday.
  

    Brianna Ator, Companions Animal Center canine technician, places a kenneled dog on the floor at the shelter on Sunday.
  

    Hillary Darty, CAC shelter manager, holds a dog that arrived by plan from California on Sunday.