While the majority of at-risk animals saved by our Rescue Me program  are from our part of the globe, like Washington and California, we do get requests from further afield that sometimes we just can’t pass up. That happened recently when we were contacted by the Israeli division of Wings of Rescue (a rescue group that uses pilots to fly at-risk animals to rescue). The problem of stray and unwanted dogs in Israel is a huge one, with many dogs living on the streets and abandoned in the desert. Many of the dogs are Canaan dog mixes, a breed that looks similar to shepherds, with lanky legs, erect ears and often curled tails. A dedicated group of animal rescuers has been working tirelessly to take in needy dogs and find them homes, but the pool of local adopters for these mostly medium and large dogs is very limited. The dogs in need of rescue were thoroughly temperament tested with people and other dogs before being selected as rescue transfer candidates. After carefully considering the proposal to help some of these urgent cases, our Rescue Me program decided that with many open kennels available in our shelter, and many Kitsap adopters eagerly looking for friendly large dogs, KHS would agree to take four dogs and find them loving homes. In addition, the NOAH Center in Stanwood, WA also agreed to rescue four of these special dogs. The dogs arrived at KHS on the afternoon of December 3rd, amidst strong winds and heavy rain- certainly a change from the dry, hot weather they were used to. The dogs had spent close to 36 hours travelling to get two KHS, with one flight from Israel to Los Angeles, and then a second flight from Van Nuys to Everett, and then a car (and ferry!) ride from Everett to Silverdale. We decided it would be best to give the dogs a few days to decompress after all of the stressful travelling, and let them settle in to KHS before making them available for adoption. Meanwhile, staff and volunteers have been showering the dogs with attention and socialization. As of Monday. December 7th,  three of the dogs- Poppy, Toby and Zoey- are available for adoption, and the fourth- Gili- will likely become available on Wednesday, December 9th after some more TLC.  We cannot wait to find these beautiful, smart, loving dogs great homes in the Pacific Northwest, where they will never again have to worry about being abandoned on the streets, or where their next meal will come from. If you’re interested in adopting one of these special dogs, please visit our Adoption page to learn how!

Without further ado, please meet KHS’ first ever Israeli arrivals.

Poppy – Poppy is an extra adorable petite and plump female approximately 3 years old. She is friendly and calm, loves going on walks, and is friendly with other dogs! Poppy is spooked by loud noises and would love a quiet, calm home.

Zoey- Zoey is a beautiful black and cream colored female approximately 1-2 years old. She is very friendly and independent, loves soft beds and squeaky toys, and is friendly with other dogs.

Toby- Toby is a handsome tricolored boy with lots of personality! He is playful and energetic and can’t wait to be everyone’s best friend- dogs and people alike.

Gili- Gili is a super cute white and caramel female approximately 4 years old. She’s got adorable ears and sad puppy dog eyes. Gili is very nervous in new situations and shy with new people at first. Gili will need a patient, loving home who can help her blossom into the smart, happy girl we know is in there!