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Volunteer Pilots Bring Dozens Of Rescue Dogs To New Jersey For Adoption

FAIRFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - A special delivery of rescue dogs has landed at a local airport.

About 75 dogs landed at Essex County Airport in Fairfield, New Jersey thanks to some pilots who donated their time, money and airplanes to the effort.

Nearly 260 dogs in all were rescued from shelters in North Carolina and may have been bound for euthanasia but have been given a second chance thanks to 'Pilots and Paws.'

"Once I was aware of how many animals were being destroyed needlessly, it was something I just had to do," pilot Scott Messinger told CBS 2's Don Dahler. "It's just a labor of love for all of us and it's a joy to be involved with animal rescue."

Pet ResQ Inc. of Tenafly was one of nine rescue groups on hand at the airport to greet the pilots and the pooches.

"These animals have no clue how lucky they are," Robyn Urman with the group told Dahler.

Urman said cooperation among several different rescue groups is essential to the program.

"Because of that, we're able to save so many animals in one clip," she told Dahler.

"It's a great time for all of us to get together and we're all here for the dogs," said Amy Tauber of Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue. "It's very, very rewarding knowing that I can personally save the life of a dog and also teach my daughter how important it is."

If you'd like to adopt or foster a rescue dog, click here for more information from Pet ResQ Inc.

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