MANASSAS, Va. - A flight has gone to the dogs - all for a good cause.

In some parts of the country there are too many animals, often leaving shelters no other option but to euthanize. While in other parts of the country there aren't enough pets to keep up with the high demand.

That is why there are flights dedicated to even that out, all the while giving as many cats and dogs as possible a good home.

On board a flight to Manassas Saturday was eight three-week-old puppies and their mom. It's all part of a program called 'Cloud Nine Rescue Flights.' Animals are flown from one part of the country, where there is a surplus of animals, to an area like Northern Virginia, where more homes are available.

Pilot and founder Ted Dupuis says it's his love of animals that motivated him to start these flights. "It breaks my heart whenever I have to leave these animals, but I know they are going to a good home," he said.

So, for now, one former stray and her puppies will call Commonwealth Cat Rescue home. But after a check up, all nine of the dogs will be up for adoption. Rescue president Chris Haslam says a program like this gives the dogs a new lease on life.

Rather than have them put to sleep we would rather put them in a family situation," said

The animals brought here are taken to 'no kill shelters,' so each dog will eventually be placed in a home. All of the flights are made on donations and the founder says they are in need of more funding to make more trips.

For more information on how to donate to the rescue flights or how to adopt one of the puppies click here.

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