A Wisconsin group is helping dogs in need – even when those animals are from across the world.

Several dogs from China were facing a terrible fate in the meat trade; that is until these people stepped in to make sure those dogs got a second chance on life.

The 30-hour journey to America is only the beginning of what these dogs may have gone through in their short lives. Today, they are healthy and happy thanks to their new foster parents.

“When I brought him home, it was two in the morning and it took about an hour to get him out of my car,” said Lisa Southern of the pet rescue agency Wisconsin Adopt a Golden Retriever.

Now one-year-old Odin is doing great with Southern, who plans to adopt him. Southern says she didn’t realize that Odin had lost his left eye until he came home.

“I don’t even want to imagine what would’ve happened had he not been brought over. Everything I heard about the China meat trade has been awful,” said Southern.

“For all we know, she could’ve been someone’s pet before she was picked up by the meat trade,” said Joel Wellhoefer of his rescue, Artie.

Wellhoefer is also a part of Wisconsin Adopt a Golden Retriever and adopted Artie, who just landed in town last month.

“Oh yeah – double ear infection. We took her to the vet the next day and had to power scrub her ears,” said Wellhoefer.

Watching these animals come out of their shells thanks to the animal organization has been a rewarding experience for everyone.

“She has this permanent smile. Whether her mouth is opened or closed, she’s always smiling,” said Wellhoefer of Artie.

“He has brought me so much joy and every single day that I have him I’m amazed at his progress,” said Southern of Odin.

The goal is to save at least seven more this year.

“They’re skin and bones. One had a slash – a huge slash across its neck, but for the most part they think they can save them all,” said Holly Roge of Wisconsin Adopt a Golden Retriever.

The Wisconsin organization is working with an animal rights group in China to rescue them.

“I’ve also learned about the kindness of others through the people in Shanghai,” said Roge.

Adding up the airfare and medical bills, it costs this group a thousand dollars to save each dog. They have a number of events coming up next month to raise money, including a golf outing.