Baltimore Org. Rescuing Abandoned, Abused Dogs From Kuwait
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--They are survivors of a war torn country in the Persian Gulf and they've found a new home right here in Baltimore.
Lola and her friends have come a long way after being rescued from the streets of Kuwait.
Flight attendant Patricia Riska founded Wings of Love Kuwait, bringing dogs to Baltimore from the Persian Gulf nation.
"I do this because I feel very responsible. These dogs have been through a lot and I'm a huge dog lover," said Patricia Riska, with Wings of Love Kuwait.
Riska says 155 dogs have been rescued so far.
"We're local right now because we're very small. We do home visits for every single applicant," Riska said.
In Kuwait dogs are not regarded as family and are often sold at a local street market.
"In Kuwait dogs are purchased as items, it's like buying a purse," said Jennifer Yoon, Wings of Love Kuwait. "It's cute and trendy at the time but when they're done with it they're thrown out."
Wings of Love volunteers make 8 to 12 flights a year to Kuwait and as you might expect it's expensive for them and their precious cargo.
"This is a very expensive operation," said Yoon. "If we do it on the cheap the transport of a dog can cost $1,300. The dogs have to be vaccinated."
"These dogs are like my children, I just want them happy," said Riska. "I see the difference in their faces from Kuwait. They're sad when they get here and when they get adopted they're happy and they're being loved and touched."
For more information about adopting a dog or making a donation to Wings of Love Kuwait CLICK HERE.