Claire Mracek lost her 3-year-old daughter to a rare form of pediatric cancer earlier this year. “The depths of this loss for our family is indescribable, especially for our 2-year-old son who lost his best friend. His grief has been absolutely heartbreaking to witness,” Mracek said.
A friend recommended an emotional support dog for her son and that’s where Poppy came into the picture.
“We met (in Atlanta) and she connected with our son pretty instantly as she is loving, playful and loves to play ball outside. We adopted her shortly afterwards and she has been such a blessing to our family already. She has provided joy and unconditional love to us during our darkest days,” Mracek added.
Lauren Genkinger, the president and founder of Adopt A Golden Atlanta, said in a statement that the organization is relieved to be able to save these Golden Retrievers. “We have always believed it doesn’t matter where they come from — It just matters where they end up. We can’t wait to find them loving homes.”
Reason for the ban
The CDC said the reasons for the current ban are the import of three rabies-infected dogs since 2015, some cases of falsified rabies certificates and the coronavirus pandemic response that has stretched their resources. But this blanket decision is affecting dog rescue missions who are trying to rescue dogs from China among other places.
In Beijing it is illegal to keep dogs taller than 1.1 feet which means that dogs such as Golden Retrievers are banned and can be locked up and put down if they are caught by authorities.
“So when cute Golden puppies grow into adult dogs they are too big and abandoned on the streets where they become ill and die or are stolen for the illegal meat trade,” Fitzgerald added.
What the groups want
Dog rescue organizations in the US that bring in dogs from China support the CDC’s mission to keep the country free of rabies. But, they are appealing to the CDC to allow them to work together on incorporating equally effective alternative solutions to the current import restrictions so they can continue to save the lives of dogs.
“With room in our kennels, and adopters willing to take these dogs, this simply reflects the notion that compassion is not bounded by geography or national boundaries,” he added.
Petersen said there are many dogs waiting for their chance to come to the US for a chance at a better life. On top of loss of life, the cost to maintain rescue buildings, dog food and care continues to build in China without any dogs getting out for adoption. “We will never abandon our dogs in China. We have made a promise to them and we will never turn our backs on them,” she added.
The rescues say the dogs rescued from China have been social and transitioned very well in a short time to becoming wonderful family pets.
“We are their only hope. We’re the voice for the voiceless. There are no animal rights in China, there is no hope for these dogs,” said Jill Stewart, president of China Rescue Dogs. She added that the rescue makes sure the dogs are vaccinated correctly in China, well cared for when they come into the US and meet all CDC requirements.
Source : Nbcnewyork