GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Dozens of dogs rescued from a shelter in Honduras have arrived in West Michigan.
It took almost a year to get them here, but now they get to just rest and enjoy their new “leash” on life.
On a chilly Friday morning, the transport vehicle carrying 31 dogs arrived at its final stop in Grand Rapids.
“It was a bit emotional, you know, because they're here, like, did this really just happen,” said Tanya Mitz, Vice President of Michele’s Rescue.
After a three-day quarantine, the CDC gave Michele’s Rescue the "all clear" at 11 p.m. on April 24.
Then, the dogs were loaded up into their crates for the journey to West Michigan.
“There were 600 animals that were left no food, no water, no electricity, no one to care for them and that was a big deal. You know, we felt we needed to do what we could do. So, making it right, we're trying our best to make it right," Mitz said.
Chaos ensued after transport.
Adopters and fosters got to meet their pups for the very first time, they got a quick bathroom break, and then they were off to their new homes.
“It was it was a lot of waiting, but it was well worth it," said Adriana Paez-Robinson, a foster and potential adopter with Michele's Rescue.
Some folks are even going the extra mile to make their dogs feel welcome.
“We've been taking babble classes to learn the language. We'll be letting them watch Bluey and maybe Paw Patrol and they'll learn English that way,"said John Connell, an adopter.
Connell and his wife decided to adopt not one, but two dogs.
“We saw this thing for Michelle's Rescue and my wife just couldn't get off the website. We found these two and just said they're Connell dogs now,” Connell said. “It was just such a sad story with what happened to all these dogs. It broke our hearts and that's why we took two.”
Some of the dogs have already settled in nicely, doing things like going for a hike, sleeping on top of the couch and snuggling with a blanket.
“I think the key is to take your time. Be really patient with them, make sure they have their space, their safe spot, it's going to take them a while to realize that this is their new home,” Paez-Robinson said.
Once they do, they will only experience unconditional love from their families thanks to Michele’s Rescue.
About half of the dogs have already been adopted but some are still waiting for their forever home.
The rescue also needs donations to help with medical costs and other expenses.
If you would like to help or adopt one of the "Hope for Honduras dogs" go, here.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.