Dogs Saved From Euthanasia In America

By Amanda Walker, US Correspondent

Up to four million healthy cats and dogs are euthanised in America every year.

Certain states only allow a 10-day window for an unwanted animal to be claimed before it is put down. South Carolina is one of them - but one animal charity has made it their mission to give thousands of those dogs a second chance.

An anonymous rental van trundles down the I95 towards Washington. Inside there are over 30 very lucky dogs.

It has been a long journey from a gloomy fate in South Carolina to a new life in America's capital.

The van pulls up and the doors open to a chorus of cooing from waiting volunteers as 32 pairs of brown eyes peer out from cages.

From puppies to grown-ups, all of the dogs are ready for some fresh air and adoration. Some rush out tails wagging, while the shy ones need a little more coaxing.

But their journey is not quite complete. Most of the people waiting to greet the dogs are foster carers, the bridge to the ultimate goal: A family of their own.

Daryl is a sweet and playful black lab mix puppy. A next day adoption event will be his moment to shine and win himself a permanent home.

Up to 4 million healthy cats and dogs are euthanised in the US every year

The event gives vetted potential owners a chance to meet the dogs and decide which one suits them best.

Daryl is on his back enjoying a tummy rub - giving it his all - so much so he has won over the Shogi family.

Seven-year-old Guy Shogi has very specific requirements and Daryl fits the bill:  "I like the colour - I don't like a lot of white down the chest. I just like a little and I like when they have these socks on their feet."

His mother Jennifer said it has been a long search: "We go online - we've seen Daryl's profile - we know all about him.

"It's quite a build-up. Whose room is he going to sleep in?!"

Five years ago Lucky Dog founder Mirah Horowitz decided something needed to be done to help dogs facing euthanasia.

"The dogs end up here either because they're strays and they get picked up by animal control, or because people don't want them anymore.

"I do see more people that are surrendering their dogs, so my assumption is that the economy has definitely taken a toll particularly in the Southern areas where most of our dogs are from that are not particularly affluent."

Certain shelters in South Carolina are simply overwhelmed with unwanted dogs.

Ms Horowitz says: "They don't have that understanding about spay and neuter - they have a huge number of dogs, they have a lot of puppies and pregnant dogs that come in, and so they end up with higher euthanasia rates."

Darryl's luck is in: He is off to his new home with the Shogi family.

Over 6,000 dogs have been saved by Lucky Dog and, with no plans to change state laws, the charity's role will continue to be vital.

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