Hundreds of rescue dogs flown from LA

>>> not all dogs have it as good as bo. many end up in shelters where life can be pretty grim. but this weekend, there's some good news for hundreds of shelter dogs in california. they're being saved, given tickets to a whole new life thanks to some extraordinary volunteers who are making a difference. we get their story tonight from nbc's miguel almaguer.

>> good dog.

>> reporter: in a small parking lot just off runway number two --

>> okay, baby. you're good to go.

>> reporter: -- they're ready for the trip of a lifetime.

>> washington.

>> reporter: wings of rescue call this "operation animal airlift," one of the largest dog rescues ever on the west coast .

>> we have saved approximately 5,000 animals in the last year, 18 months. and they all get homes.

>> reporter: this weekend, 300 dogs are on the move. 5-year-old sedona spent weeks in a shelter and had just hours to live.

>> saved. we are awesome. we live for those.

>> reporter: sedona was saved on the day she was to be put to sleep. wings of rescue found each of these dogs in an overpopulated los angeles shelter.

>> hillsborough.

>> reporter: now they have a new home in a west coast state where there's a demand for dogs. to get these little guys shipped to their new homes and ready for takeoff, it took months of planning and tens of thousands of dollars. mama here is headed to oregon. in all, 11 flights crisscrossed the pacific northwest . 5 to 50 dogs flying first class. but some like gizmo never make it off the runway. he was adopted by a volunteer who couldn't resist.

>> i love his face and that crazy hair.

>> reporter: for each of these dogs --

>> i love you.

>> reporter: -- a happy ending where there was once little hope. today sweet sedona is safe in oregon.

>> it's like christmas morning !

>> reporter: she has a new home and a new life.

>> you're so sweet.

>> reporter: miguel almaguer, nbc news, van nuys , california.