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Dogs From Irene Damaged Shelter Arrive In South Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) – Fourdozen dogs who escaped the wrath of Hurricane Irene when it battered Puerto Rico have arrived in South Florida.

The dogs, the first of about 50 dogs expected, were at a shelter in San Juan operated by Save a Sato, which rescues animals on the island. After cleaning them up and giving them necessary vaccinations, the shelter works with organizations in the U. S. to find the dogs homes.

Due to the extensive damage the shelter received from flooding and wind on Tuesday Save a Sato put the dogs on a plane bound for South Florida.

After their arrival at Miami International Airport, the dogs were taken to the Humane Society of Broward County. The Humane Society has worked with the shelter in the past.

"The dogs are going to be a little friendly," Cheri Wachter of the Humane Society of Broward County said. "They're going to be a little dirty, I'll tell you that, and healthy. Once they get here, our clinic staff will check them out and make sure they're friendly and healthy before we place them up for adoption."

The dogs will also be given time to rest and eat. Hopefully by Wednesday some, if not all, will be available for adoption.

"I'm hoping I can have an opportunity to adopt a puppy," said Steve DiSalvo, "preferably a boxer, I saw a could boxers in that. They're cute."

"Really, what they need is families that are willing to give them loving homes," said Wachter, "not just for a short period, but forever."

If you are interested in adopting a pet, please visit the shelter located at 2070 Griffin Road, just a block west of I-95. The adoption desk opens every day at 10 a.m. and will be open until 9 p.m. on Wednesday to make it more convenient to adopt these dogs and the other pets at the shelter.

It's also half price to adopt a dog on Wednesday.

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