Through a new partnership with Start Rescue, the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society (OPHS) rescued seven dogs and two kittens from fire-ravaged California last week.

Start Rescue provides monthly transport of at-risk animals to the Pacific Northwest from California.

“We were delighted to be vetted and accepted by Start Rescue where we can save animals that are at risk of euthanasia for space in overcrowded shelters,” said Jacquelene Petersen, OPHS’s development manager who initiated the partnership.

The timing of this new relationship enabled the local shelter to provide assistance while fire-ravaged shelters were full or where others could not get to the transport area to pick up at-risk animals.

Petersen and her husband met the transport van outside of Portland, Ore.,to caravan the animals to Port Angeles.

“It’s truly rewarding to save an animal’s life and, at the same time, help other shelters,” OPHS Executive Director Luanne Hinkle said.

“Additionally, this partnership allows us to bring in-demand animals to the area. Many adopters want small dogs or a specific breed of cat or dog. If we can serve the community’s wishes while saving a life, that is truly a win-win situation.”

Find more about the rescued animals at www.ophumanesociety.org or call 360-457-8206.

A private, nonprofit corporation, the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society shelters and cares for domestic animals of all types regardless of breed, health or disposition, is financed primarily by private donations and community gifts and is not associated with any national organization. About 1,500 animals pass through OPHS’s doors each year, organization representatives said.