More on the dogs of war

Heather Allan's Aug. 24 post about five dogs in Beirut rescued by NBC News drew quite a response. Sunday on Weekend Nightly News, correspondent Jim Maceda reported some good news: the dogs are safe at the BETA (Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) shelter. You can watch Jim's video report by clicking here.

NBC News producer Charlene Gubash, based in Cairo, Egypt, also tells us that Best Friends Animal Society, based in Kanab, Utah, has sponsored an airlift of about 300 dogs and cats from Beirut to Las Vegas. The airlift will virtually empty BETA's shelters and allow them to take in more homeless animals.

Members of BETA and Best Friends left Beirut this morning with the animals, en route to Las Vegas. Late tonight, they will travel about four hours in temperature-controlled vehicles to Kanab. The animals will be assessed for 2-4 weeks and then will be sent on to their homes. Most of the pets have already been adopted.

The AP has also covered this story. You can read the latest here.

Photo caption: Snooze, one of the dogs rescued by the NBC News crew, living up to his nickname at the shelter. Photo by NBC News.