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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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It has been a true Christmas miracle for 17 dogs saved from death row.
Kimberly LaRussa shared the moment that the dogs pulled up in a van and were taken to safety by Buddy's Second Chance Rescue volunteers. The footage shows the dogs being taken out of their cages and carried into the Amherst, New York-based shelter.
LaRussa, a volunteer, told Newsweek: "Sometimes the dogs have a matter of days—or even hours—to be pulled before they are euthanized."
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The Instagram video shared to @sweetbuffalo716 has amassed 1.2 million views.
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According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, each year, about 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats).
The number of dogs and cats euthanized in U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately 2.6 million in 2011. The decline can be partially explained by an increase in the percentage of animals adopted and an increase in the number of stray animals returned to their owners.
LaRussa is the founder of Sweet Buffalo, a media website that shares stories and videos from the shelter that saves dogs every month.
"The shelter build relationships with the kill shelters and then get the dogs transported here to Buffalo!," LaRussa told Newsweek. "Sadly this isn't a one-time occurrence. Dogs are always in danger of being euthanized due to the lack of space in these shelters. "
In the Instagram clip, there's a mixture of breeds and ages ranging from 3 months to 6 years old.
"It is heartbreaking to know what these dogs have been through before coming here," LaRussa said. "They get off the transport and they are scared and confused.
"The volunteers comfort them, but it is not until the dogs have been in their foster homes for a few days that they realize they are in safe hands. While it hurts to know they were almost euthanized, there is great joy in knowing that there is an incredible dog rescue like Buddy's Second Chance Rescue that will make the rest of their lives better from here on out."
Since November 26, the video has racked up almost 109,000 likes and left the internet in tears.
One user said: "I'm crying right now watching those babies not even attempting to walk on their own, they are so afraid. Thank you so much for all that you are doing. It makes a huge difference and those pups will be so loved. God bless you."
"You are the most incredible people on the planet. You have my upmost respect. Thank you for all you do," praised another.
Another questioned: "Why are kill shelters even a thing?!"
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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