Flying Into Forever: 14 Animals Take Flight to Their Forever Homes
Published on February 14, 2025
On Valentine’s Day, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control celebrated as 14 animals boarded a flight to their forever homes.
Eleven dogs and three cats left Meacham International Airport, thanks to a partnership with Wings of Rescue, a volunteer group that transports at-risk pets. "I feel pure happiness for the animals on this flight," said Melanie Pena, Outbound Supervisor at FWACC. For many, the flight represents a fresh start, as they travel to locations where adopters are eagerly awaiting their arrival.
In most cases, these pets are adopted within days of landing. "We’re hoping to get new fosters and want to help them understand just how much fostering truly helps save lives," Pena shared. Each of the FWACC animals aboard the flight spent at least two weeks in a foster home before becoming eligible for the journey. The focus is on saving lives, and fostering plays an essential role in providing a temporary but vital step in the adoption process.
While this particular group of animals took to the skies today, dozens of others have already traveled to their new homes via transport buses this year. "They’re going to their forever homes, and their lives are going to change forever," said Pena.
For Katie Tyrrell, a dedicated foster parent for FWACC, the morning was both bittersweet and emotional. "It’s always hard to say goodbye," she admitted, her eyes welling up as she watched the animals board the plane. Over the past two years, Tyrrell has fostered more than 60 dogs, and each one has left an indelible mark on her life.
"It’s amazing to know they’re never gonna come back to the shelter and never gonna end up on the streets as strays. It’s such a relief — it fills your heart," she said.
Tyrrell was inspired to begin fostering after seeing the overwhelming need for homes for animals in Fort Worth. "It’s great to just be a part of their story," she added, emphasizing how rewarding it is to witness their journey from a temporary foster home to a forever family.
FWACC continues to encourage others to consider fostering. "We want people to ask us as many questions as they want to feel more comfortable with the fostering process. We want to be there for our foster families," said Pena. Every animal that gets a second chance at a happy life is a testament to the power of community, compassion and the willingness to help.
In total, 186 animals flew to new homes across the Northeast, including 14 FWACC animals who are on their way to brighter futures. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers, rescuers, shelter staff and foster families whose unwavering support makes these new beginnings possible.
LEARN ABOUT TRANSPORT FOSTERING
For questions about fostering with FWACC, please email us at: FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov