PNP, Rescue and our star “Belle” on DOGS 101 Animal Planet!
Last night on DOGS 101, Pilots N Paws, Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue and our star rescue pup, the lovely Belle, were featured. Unfortunately the producers were supposed to let us know when this was airing but they must have forgotten! For those who did not see her heartwarming story, here it is thanks to Liz Bonderak who’s work in coordinating this was trying at times and we are very grateful to her, thanks Liz!! Belle’s story sent to us by Liz:
The very Beautiful miss Belle !
Above and Beyond Setter Rescue immediately went into action and a loving foster home was found. Belle’s emotional and physical scars were nursed under the loving care of Milber and Rick Berry, and finally Belle was ready to become part of a home of her own.
Belle and foster Dad Rick share a chair
How wonderful for Belle that a new home was found in Moline, IL.. Gordon Witzel saw Belle’s story online and knew that Belle was the dog for him!
Now here, I would usually say that I put out a shout out to the PilotsNPaws pilots (and as always they sprang into action) but WAIT there’s more!!!
It came to my attention through PNP that Animal Planet’s ‘Dogs 101’ was looking to highlight not only the English Setter, but RESCUE and the dedication of the PilotsNPaws pilots!! How cool is that??
Belle, Rick and first pilot Dave all meet at the airport
As ‘we’ had to keep this transport under wraps.. I immediately contacted 2 of my friends to see if they wanted to play. David Morris and Sam Taylor. I knew that their word and their skills would be instrumental in the WEEKS (can you stand it?) of planning involved to not only get Belle home (the first priority) but to now work with production crews and tight scheduling.
Two stars in the making Belle and pilot Dave!
Thank you to my pilots Sam and Dave.. as always, the generosity of the pilots through PilotsNPaws leaves me in awe. I am forever grateful to the two of you for going above and beyond for Above and Beyond. The fact that you both offered your time and your fuel to go to such lengths, not only for a little rescue dog, but to showcase what true generosity is, is humbling. Thank you both so much for being so available too! Holy smokes guys.. here’s hoping that more pilots step forward and see how cool we all are 😉
Pilot Sam with Belle taking a snooze in the plane!
There aren’t enough words to express my thanks to Milber and Rick and to Gordon.Milber and Rick.. because of you both, Belle had an opportunity to become someones new best friend! Without foster homes and volunteers, we could only sit by helpless and watch countless dogs destroyed. I am so thankful that Belle has found you to teach her love and kindness. Thank you for opening your home on such an occasion. I know how hard it is to say goodbye under ‘normal’ circumstances.. I can only imagine how all ‘this’ affected you both. Belle’s smile is a testament to the hard work that you do for the dogs to get a second chance. All rescues should be as lucky as the dogs that have come through your home.
Belle napping during her flight, great accomodations!
Gordon.. thank you my friend! I know that things seemed a bit crazy but just THINK of the story that you will have to tell and the photos on the wall! While all my dogs are special.. I think I will remember you and Belle for a VERY long time! I am honored to know you and I am grateful for you giving Belle a home of her very own. She is very lucky to have found you and your family. It is such a personal thing when one gets a dog and for you to share your story with others.. another rescue dog may get a second chance. Thank you so much!
Filmographer and Belle's new friend and bunkmate, Brandon!
Brandon! My new friend!! (and cameraman that traveled with Ms. Belle) Thank you so much for bunking with Ms. Belle in Neosho when weather grounded us and letting her hog the covers! Your help is so appreciated. If you hadn’t been available to assist, I would have had to find an alternate field where I have volunteers that could come in. Or worse, delay transport to a day when weather was better.illy (the manager) at Neosho (EOS) I am so grateful to you!! I am so appreciative of the phone call when planes did not arrive on time. I am doubly grateful to know that you and your staff are looking out for these guys. Thank you for the use of the car so Brandon and Ms. Belle could get some rest at the nearby hotel. Not to mention all your help loading and offloading equipment..whew!
Belle and her playmate go to work with Gordon every day!
Billy (the manager) at Neosho (EOS) I am so grateful to you!! I am so appreciative of the phone call when planes did not arrive on time. I am doubly grateful to know that you and your staff are looking out for these guys. Thank you for the use of the car so Brandon and Ms. Belle could get some rest at the nearby hotel. Not to mention all your help loading and offloading equipment..whew!
Thank you so much to Above and Beyond Setter Rescue. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and the rescue community, to have you agree to work with Animal Planet and highlight what we all work so hard to do… save one more.
Yes, this is the life, pillows, a soft couch and somebody who loves me!
Because of the dedication of all your volunteers, a little dog has a second chance of a home of her own. You are truly an ambassador to how rescues should operate. Thank you for all your hard work across the country.
Here’s hoping that because of Animal Planet choosing to highlight what we all do.. there are MORE dogs like Belle that have a home of their own.
It takes a village
PLEASE visit Above and Beyond English Setter rescue at www.esrescue.org
