Pilots N Paws
As you know, most of our dogs come from rural kill shelters in Alabama and Georgia. It isn’t easy getting them here. So many people are involved:
- the folks who first let us know about them;
- volunteers who physically go to the shelters and pull them;
- locals who open up their homes to foster until transportation is arranged;
- transportation coordinators;
- drivers;
- so much more
It really is a huge effort. The dogs are usually driven to us in cars, 10 legs each driving about an hour. You can just imagine what all is involved!
And then every now and then something simply wonderful happens: Paws N Pilots!
Paws N Pilots is a loose-knit group of pilots who volunteer to give rescued animals a lift. They can turn a multi-day transport into a matter of just a few hours. They are amazing!
Today we were supposed to get a litter of Border Collie puppies driven to us from Alabama. Instead, Jeff Bennett of Paws N Pilots flew them and several other dogs the distance. We were just one rescue and one stop along his way.
He told me he was a bit surprised to find 9 more dogs for pick up than he was told to expect (he puts things so mildly!) but he took it all in stride. Watching him pull the dogs out of his plane was like watching Mary Poppins unpack her carpet bag!!!
The night before the plane headed our way, I was asked if I could overnight a beagle who was destined for a rescue in Tampa; that stop was canceled and drivers were arranged from Orlando, but not until Saturday. Sure! What’s one more dog? Ya gotta be flexible in rescue!
Thank you, Jeff, Paws N Pilots, and all the volunteers who make this and other transports possible! You are the best!!!