Twenty golden retrievers destined to be killed for their meat in China have been saved thanks to an animal rescue group.
What's more, each dog was photographed meeting its new adoptive parents after touching down for a new life in the US.
The incredible mission was made possible thanks to the Florida-based animal rescue group Golden Rescue South Florida, who reportedly spent six months and $50,000 in donations executing the Christmas miracle.
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Per the Metro, rescue co-ordinator, Kristine Minerva, 40, revealed that the dogs had been flown 7,800 miles from Beijing in order to start their new life in the US. Without rescue, they would have likely ended up in a slaughterhouse, Minerva said.
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Their tragic story (as well as their adorable little faces) were so moving, that every single one of the pups had a new owner waiting for them before the plane had landed on US soil.
Minerva had the idea for the rescue after reading about their plight in an article online, which led to her being in contact with a rescue group in Beijing.
All-in-all, 17 volunteers were involved in the rescue operation.
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Sharing the dogs' story online, new owners were then interviewed, vetted, and matched with one of the 20 dogs.
The group's efforts have also been supported by the American animal rights group, PETA.
The dogs finally arrived safely in the US on Sunday (December 20), and the group shared a length Facebook post to celebrate their arrival.
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Sadly, the transportation wasn't without it's hiccups, and the dogs were forced to remain in their crates for over 40 hours after travel delays.
Fortunately, Minerva was able to enlist the help of the Taiwan SPCA and PETA in assisting in the rescue in both China and Chicago.
After they finally arrived on Sunday morning, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work - cleaning each dog, carrying out medical checks, and matching each dog with its new owners.
The post explains: "We had a 24/7 medical clinic prepared to take them. NOT NEEDED! The dogs were in remarkable shape!"
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The post continued: "Now picture 20 dogs in their crates for almost 5 days! They were covered in their own waste. The smell was incredible! But our volunteers jumped in and helped bathe each dog at the one spigot that was there. Backs hurt, knees were sore...but all the dogs were clean when they left for their new homes."
Upon being united with their new owners, each dog was said to be "joyful", wagging their tails and giving kisses.
The post concluded: "What an incredible undertaking. What an incredible undertaking! And guess what? We’re going to DO IT AGAIN...soon."
In an update with their followers, Golden Rescue South Florida shared a series of pictures showing the dogs in their new homes.
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With many of the dogs looking exhausted and sleeping away, the group wrote in the caption: "Sweet Dreams sweet babies. Welcome to your home sweet home."