Category: Feature Stories

Animal rescue laws differ widely worldwide, making international rescues particularly challenging. When we learned about a group of horses abandoned in a junkyard in Morocco, we knew it wouldn’t be easy to save them, but we were determined. Some horses had already died, and we knew we had to act swiftly to save the remaining ten.

Thanks to our generous supporters, we raised funds to purchase land and build a stable near our local partner’s property. While construction began, the Morocco Animal Aid team visited the horses daily, providing food, water, and medical care. However, gaining legal ownership of the horses proved more challenging than anticipated. After weeks of negotiations, we finally succeeded in bringing the horses into safe care.

The horses have started healing and are ready to embrace their new home. And Morocco Animal Aid has been working with local authorities to ensure that they are alerted if any other horses are abandoned in the junkyard, allowing them to act before it’s too late. The newly constructed sanctuary houses twelve horses, including the ten rescued from the junkyard.

We will never forget the horrific conditions the horses endured or the innocent lives lost. However, it brings us immense joy to have saved the others, who will now live the rest of their lives peacefully.

At SPCA International, we love spoiling our pets with delicious treats, which is why we are thrilled to have Swell Dog Gelato as one of our corporate sponsors. Swell Gelato is crafted with high-quality, wholesome ingredients and no preservatives. They offer a variety of delightful flavors, including Banana Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Cheddar, and their special birthday flavor—It’s My Barkday. Additionally, Swell provides gourmet dog food toppers, adding a healthy twist to your pup’s meals.

Swell Dog Gelato has been supporting SPCA International since 2019 when the company was founded in Seattle. By donating a portion of their proceeds to our programs, Swell has positively impacted the lives of countless animals in need.

We are excited to announce that Swell’s dog-approved gelato is now available on the East Coast—something the pups at our headquarters are very excited about. If your furry friend hasn’t tried their gelato yet, check to see if it’s available at a store near you. Treat your pup to something special while also supporting dogs in need.

“Portion of Proceeds” Transparency Statement: Swell Dog Gelato, Inc pledges to donate 4 percent of sales proceeds to SPCA International for the foreseeable future.

We’re excited to team up with WeWard once again to raise funds for animals in need. Last time, we raised $5,000 for our Patriot Pets program, reuniting brave U.S. service members with the animals they rescue and befriend during deployment. Thanks to the incredible animal-loving team at WeWard and our dedicated supporters, we reached our goal quickly. This time, we’re aiming to raise $10,000 for our PAWsitive Recovery program, which provides temporary shelter and care for the pets of individuals recovering from addiction and escaping domestic abuse.

How WeWard Works

Helping animals in need through the WeWard app is easy and free. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Every Ward you donate will help positively change the lives of vulnerable individuals and the pets they love. There’s no better or easier way to give back, so don’t wait. Download the WeWard app today, start walking, and saving lives!

About PAWsitive Recovery

PAWsitive Recovery, SPCA International’s newest program, offers a new “leash” on life for people in recovery and animals in shelters, helping them heal from addiction, trauma, and domestic violence. Many people avoid getting help because they have no one to care for their pets while they’re away. No one should have to lose a pet to help themselves.

PAWsitive Recovery provides pet foster care for individuals seeking treatment or recovering from domestic violence, alleviating the fear of losing their pets forever. Knowing their beloved pet is cared for makes all the difference. We also facilitate partnerships with recovery centers and animal shelters to offer workshops that integrate animals, therapy, meditation, and exercise to help with the loneliness, stress, and depression that often accompany recovery.

Last month, we received a plea for help – compassionate US service members needed our help to bring three puppies to safety. While on a mission, these American heroes found the abandoned puppies struggling to survive. They took them into their care and provided them with shelter, food, and love, but as the end of their deployments approached, they worried they’d be forced to leave their beloved companions behind. That’s when they reached out to us for help, and thanks to your incredible generosity and unwavering support, we were able to bring Charlie, Petra, and Jordan into our care.

We are showering them with love while we prepare them for their journey home. Once the puppies are old enough to travel and have all their vaccines and paperwork, they’ll head to the US and into the arms of the brave men who rescued them. None of this would have been possible without your help. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for giving Charlie, Petra, and Jordan the chance at the safe and happy life they deserve.

For more updates and footage of their reunion, be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter or sign up for text alerts by texting “PUPPIES” to 55101.

In a world where stigma often overshadows the path to recovery, our PAWsitive Recovery program stands as a beacon of support and understanding. We believe in fostering a community where individuals can find the encouragement to embark on their journey toward recovery, rebuild their lives, and care for their cherished pets.

Last month, we joined forces with the University of Denver Collegiate Recovery Program for a special event to shed light on substance abuse on college campuses. Teaming up with Soul Dog Rescue, we created a puppy pen where students could learn about our program and discover available recovery services on campus while enjoying the company of playful puppies. The turnout surpassed our expectations, with an overwhelming number of students joining us for a day filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful conversations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this event, including our dedicated PAWsitive Recovery Volunteers and our partners at Soul Dog Rescue. Together, let’s continue supporting initiatives that break down barriers and make a genuine difference in the lives of people and animals in need. Learn more about our program and how you can get involved by visiting our PAWsitive Recovery page.

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, sometimes, it’s the simplest connections that carry us through the darkest times. For Amira, a refugee from Sudan, the longing to be reunited with her cherished companion, Tonja, was her beacon of hope.

Tonja, a sweet and playful German Shepherd, was only four months old when he became a part of Amira’s family. He was named after a hero, the late dog of Amira’s parents, who spent years protecting her mom and the rest of their town.

For Amira, Tonja was more than a pet; he was a source of joy. He was a ball of energy who stole the hearts of everyone he encountered. Even his veterinarian dubbed him the “happiest dog in Khartoum.”  Amira never imagined that she would ever be separated from her beloved dog, but when conflict erupted in Sudan, their world shattered.

Bombs shook the streets; gunfire echoed through the neighborhoods, and residents were forced out of their homes at gunpoint. With people being killed all around her, Amira had no other choice but to flee in an effort to save her life. With a heavy heart, she left Tonja behind, knowing she couldn’t pass through checkpoints with him. Amira hoped she’d be able to return to her home and Tonja in a few weeks once things settled down, but they never did. 

Kind neighbors cared for Tonja temporarily, but as the conflict escalated, Amira knew they would also have to flee soon. Desperate to save the dog she loved so much, Amira reached out to our Apollo’s Aid program for help.

Bringing Tonja to safety was challenging. While we’ve rescued dogs out of conflict zones in the past, evacuating Tonja from Sudan proved to be one of the biggest challenges our Apollo’s Aid team has faced. But we never gave up. We knew just how important Tonja was to Amira and her family. They had lost everything – having to uproot their entire lives at a moment’s notice. We could not let them lose Tonja, too.

After months of hard work and determination, Tonja and Amira finally reunited in Cairo in early March, where Amira and her family are working to rebuild their lives. To no one’s surprise, Tonja has already made friends in town. He continues to be the “kind, messy, extremely loving, and gentle” dog Amira loves so dearly.

 “The trauma of losing everything suddenly and having to restart your life is the strangest thing. It’s like processing the experiences that would happen to a person in many years in a few months. Some sort of closure is required to happen in order to start building again. Tonja was a missing piece of my family, and it was necessary to reunite with him to begin the process of rebuilding. I must sound so over the top, but it’s true.

I would like to thank SPCA International for their support, patience and positivity. This was a difficult mission. Thank you for not giving up. This was truly amazing.”

 – Amira

You make it possible for refugees like Amira to reunite with their beloved companions through our Apollo’s Aid program.

It’s been over two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, we have been working closely with our partners in Ukraine to provide the funds, resources and support needed to help the people and animals impacted by the war. Our partners on the ground have saved thousands of animal lives. While the work is far from finished, we want to take a moment to highlight the ongoing work of one of our outstanding Shelter Partners, Sirius Shelter.

Sirius Shelter stands as Ukraine’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals, dedicating two decades to enhancing the welfare of stray animals. Their efforts have facilitated the adoption of 10,000 animals into loving homes, administered over 12,000 sterilization surgeries, and provided critical medical care to countless others.

Since the Russian invasion began, Sirius has faced enormous challenges, including a 35-day period in which the shelter was under Russian occupation. They became hostages of the war and victims of its cruelty. Destroyed bridges and blockades made it impossible for them to get the food and medicine needed for the animals in their care. Animals suffered greatly from hunger and stress. The shelter’s infrastructure suffered severe damage from artillery fire. But the team at Sirius Shelter never gave up. They refused to leave the animals behind, and most of the animals survived because of their bravery.

Among those lucky animals are Jabberwocky and the Kid, two tiny 6-year-old dogs who both lost one eye each from an exploding shell. A volunteer found them and brought them to Sirius for help. Despite their best efforts, the team could not save their eyesight, but this resilient duo is now safe and happy. They love spending every minute together.

Similarly, Sirius saved Misha. Misha had been at the frontlines of the war alongside a hero who rescued her and tried his best to keep her safe. But life in a war zone is dangerous, and Misha unfortunately lost a leg on the battlefield. Despite this, she is still the dog she was before – cheerful, energetic, happy every day and ready to share this joy with everyone. While her human had to return to the frontlines, Sirius Shelter has become a safe haven for Misha.

Despite operating amidst the chaos of war, Sirius Shelter is committed to its mission to uplift the lives of animals in the region. They are the heroes on the ground, risking their lives every day to save animals. We stand in awe of their dedication and courage and are proud to support their efforts, including assisting in much-needed shelter repairs.

It’s been just over a month since we successfully rescued 70 dogs from the West Bank, and the updates we have to share are nothing short of heartwarming. These special dogs have made their journey from uncertainty to loving homes across the United States, and we couldn’t be happier to see them thriving.

Faysal and Farouk 

Faysal and Farouk wasted no time settling into their foster home, where they’ve become part of a loving family that includes two other pups. With four dogs in the home, there is no shortage of fun, love, or snuggles. Faysal and Farouk are enjoying every moment of their newfound freedom, with a large yard to run in and woods to explore on walks. Their loving personalities shine brighter each day, and it’s a joy to see them embrace their new lives.

Raja

After a few days of well-deserved rest, Raja has transformed into a curious and playful dog who likes to show off his tricks (giving hugs, sitting, and shaking hands). He is so happy, gentle, affectionate, and eager to please. He has already learned so much and has become best buddies with Orion, his foster family’s rescue dog. Raja’s foster family adores him and has quickly discovered there’s nothing Raja loves more than getting belly rubs. 

Candy

Candy is among the first West Bank dogs to find her forever family. It was love at first sight, and her foster family knew she was meant to stay with them forever. And earlier this month, they made it official by adopting her. With her irresistible puppy eyes and loving demeanor, Candy has stolen the hearts of her new family, and they couldn’t be happier to have her as a cherished member of their household.

Birka

Sweet and curious Birka wasted no time finding her forever home. With her infectious smile and loving nature, it’s no surprise that she captured the hearts of her new family. We’re thrilled to see her settling in and receiving the love and attention she deserves in her forever home.

Jenan and Tayba

After a nearly 7,500-mile journey, Jenan and Tayba were reunited with Maad abu-Ghazalah, the founder of the Daily Hugz sanctuary. Maad was the one who rescued Jenan and Tayba from the streets in the West Bank years ago. If it weren’t for him, Jenan, Tayba, and the other 68 dogs would have never received a second chance at a happy life. We’re overjoyed to see Jenan and Tayba back in the loving arms of the person they love most. We wish them the happiest life together.

At SPCA International, we are passionately committed to saving animals and creating a world
where they are treated with compassion and respect. Your support enables us to rescue,
rehabilitate, and find loving homes for animals in need while advocating for animal rights
globally.

Quiz: Which giving method supports animal welfare and could also provide you with tax
benefits?

If you’re curious about which method of giving aligns best with your financial goals while
significantly supporting our cause, our team is here to assist you. Please feel free to reach out
to [email protected].

Your dedication to animal welfare is what drives our mission forward. Together, we’re making a
significant difference in the lives of animals around the world. Thank you for your unwavering
support and commitment to SPCA International.

Nearly four months and 7,500 miles later, the dogs evacuated from the West Bank officially made it to New York! As our team eagerly waited on the tarmac for the plane doors to open, we could hardly contain our excitement. This mission has not been easy. We encountered challenge after challenge along the way. As soon as Lukas, a charming three-legged pup, was the first to step off the plane, we couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. The sight of his wagging tail melted our hearts and brought tears of joy to our eyes. At that moment, knowing that we had finally brought these innocent animals to safety felt nothing short of a miracle — one made possible only through the unwavering support of our donors, partners, and volunteers.

It was an incredibly long journey for these dogs, from the West Bank to Tel Aviv, then to Liege, Belgium, before finally arriving in the United States. Understandably nervous and timid, their anxiety melted away at the sight of Maad Abu-Ghazalah, the founder of Daily Hugz, who had saved them from danger in the West Bank. Seeing a familiar face turned scared whimpers into tail wags and cuddles, assuring them of their newfound safety.

The team at The Ark at JFK and our dedicated staff and volunteers worked tirelessly into the night, unloading the dogs, conducting veterinary checks, and providing them with food, water, and affection. We couldn’t help but fall in love with every one of them.

After giving the dogs a day to rest, the mission picked up again at 5 AM on Sunday. Running on little sleep but lots of excitement, our team met back up at The Ark to help load 27 of the dogs onto a transport truck bound for Farmingdale Airport. A Race for Life plane waited to take them to their next destination. There, we handed off the dogs to the Race for Life team. With a crew comprised of two pilots, a veterinarian, a member of SPCA International, and a plane full of pups; the journey commenced. The initial stop was Michigan where DAWG eagerly awaited to welcome ten pups into their care.

After waving goodbye to these special dogs, Race for Life journeyed to Indiana, where Magnificent Mutts Rescue embraced eight pups into their care. It was especially cold and windy on the tarmac, but all you could see was the joy on everyone’s faces as the dogs were unloaded from the plane and into the Mag Mutts Rescuer van. Looking around, it was clear what an incredible team effort the entire mission had been.

The day’s final stop was Ohio, where Paws for Miles extended a warm welcome to 9 dogs, including Lukas, who had stolen hearts upon his arrival at JFK Airport. Saying goodbye to this extraordinary boy was hard. We quickly became so attached to him, but we knew he was heading to a fantastic home. Waiting on the tarmac, his new foster mom wasted no time embracing him, declaring him hers forever.

Three states and 27 dogs later, day one was complete, and the fantastic Race for Life team returned to New York to recharge.

The following morning, they set course for Wyoming, transporting 21 more dogs to their awaiting homes. Among them was John Ramer, Executive Director of Kindness Ranch, who had been a steadfast presence since their arrival at JFK Airport. Upon reaching Wyoming, the dogs found refuge at Kindness Ranch, an expansive sanctuary boasting 1,200 acres of land for them to run around. Ten dogs would remain at Kindness Ranch, while the remaining 11 would journey to the West Coast after getting some rest.

After getting sleep and cuddles at Kindness Ranch, the 11 dogs destined for the West Coast were entrusted to Wings of Rescue, a charitable organization dedicated to airlifting at-risk shelter pets to safety. From there, they were whisked away to Rocket Dog Rescue in California and Saving Great Animals in Washington, where new beginnings awaited.

Handling ground transport was Maad Abu-Ghazalah, who drove to Wilmington, North Carolina where he handed off 16 dogs to Two by Two Rescue, an Alabama-based partner, before embarking on a journey home with Jenan, Kareem, Tayba, and Fayrooz – the four dogs he would personally adopt.

It took almost four months to evacuate these precious animals from the West Bank, four days to transport them to partner rescues and foster homes, and hundreds of people to make this evacuation possible. We are eternally grateful to everyone who played a part in this rescue. We could not have done this alone. We want to say thank you to Fly Alliance for helping us secure the plane that brought the dogs to the US, to Wasseem Tahboub, the incredible veterinarian who was by the dogs’ side from the moment they left Daily Hugz until they reached our foster partners, to The Ark for going above and beyond caring for them once they arrived in New York, to RifRuf for providing harnesses, to Race for Life Rescue and Wings of Rescue for taking care of these pups in the air and getting them safely to their destinations, to DAWG, Mag Mutts Rescue, Paws for Miles, Kindness Ranch, Two by Two Rescue, Rocket Dog Rescue, and Saving Great Animals for so kindly agreeing to take in these pups and find them loving homes, and to you our supporters for generously donating to this mission. 

Last but certainly not least, we express our deepest appreciation to Maad Abu-Ghazalah, who initially rescued every one of these dogs – many of them stray and abuse victims. None of these dogs would be here today if it weren’t for him.

To all involved, you are heroes in the truest sense. Because of you, these animals are getting a chance at the life they rightfully deserve.

Now, it’s time to get ready for the next mission!

We invite those interested in adopting a West Bank dog to contact our shelter partners directly.

Shelter Partners: 

Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) – Michigan

Kindness Ranch – Wyoming

Mag Mutts Rescue – Illinois

Paws for Miles – Ohio

Rocket Dog Rescue – California

Saving Great Animals – Washington

Two by Two – Alabama