Rescue Dogs In Path Of TS Erika Flown To South Florida

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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - In an effort to save more than three dozen dogs in the path of Tropical Storm Erika, a rescue group in Puerto Rico has reached out to the Humane Society of Broward County.

The 40 dogs are from the Save-A-Sato group located in San Juan. They're being flown to Miami International Airport in two separate flights. The first group of 20 arrived Wednesday. The dog's final destination is the HSBC's facility at 2070 Griffin Road in Ft. Lauderdale.

"With the threat of Tropical Storm Erika bearing down in their back yard, they are very concerned about the animals they have there, so we have agreed to take two shipments of dogs," said HSBC's Director of Marketing Cherie Wachter.

At the shelter the dogs will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested from heart worm and microchipped before they are put up for adoption. Most of them are puppies and young adults.

"We've had people adopt them in the past and when those dogs have passed away, they want another Sato," said Wachter. "There's something a little extra special about them."

About 20 more of dogs are expected on another flight Thursday, if weather permits. The dogs will be likely be available for adoption this week.

"I think whenever you adopt a pet from a shelter, whether it be a dog, cat bunny rabbit or guinea pig, they are forever grateful," said Wachter.