TV Personality Rancic Saves Dogs, Lots of Dogs

Longtime television hostess Giuliana Rancic organized an impressive airlift out of Los Angeles this week: 109 dogs stuck in overcrowded California shelters and slated for euthanization were flown out to more accommodating rescues elsewhere in the country.

The entertainment reporter – known for “E! News,” Miss USA contests, and “Fashion Police” – partnered with nonprofit Wings of Rescue to deliver the previously doomed pups to sites in Chicago, New York, and Maine. The dogs were met at each stop by shelter reps and, in some cases, preapproved forever homes for the adoptees.

Rancic herself was part of the welcoming committee in Chicago. The reporter’s passion for saving dogs stems from a segment on PAWS Chicago she had covered to showcase the work of rescue organizations. The piece inspired Rancic to foster, and eventually adopt, a rescue dog named FiFi.

While caring for her pet Rancic got an education about animal shelters. “Overcrowded shelters are euthanizing healthy, adoptable dogs in many cases simply for ‘space,’ which is truly heartbreaking,” she tells People magazine. “Los Angeles, where I lived for more than 20 years, has been hit especially hard. I felt compelled to help in any way I could.”

Rancic wants everyone to know a better world is possible. “My real hope is that one day, missions like this won't even be necessary because people will remember to spay and neuter their pets, adopt their next pet from a shelter or rescue group, and help make sure every dog has the chance at a loving home.”

The big rescue marked a milestone for Wings of Rescue, which documented its 84,000th pet passenger on the flight. Not too shabby for a charity in its 13th year of operation. (We’ve been following their good works.) 

The nonprofit added to their passenger count immediately following the LA rescue, with more flights within the US and a big one scheduled for the weeks ahead: a rescue mission in Jamaica, which is still recovering from Hurricane Melissa. You can donate to the cause here.

Photo credit: Wings of Rescue