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Pilots N Paws

Two dogs alive thanks to local pilot, volunteers

Two dogs alive thanks to local pilot, volunteers

New Jersey dogs spared kill shelter, come to Plattsburgh

8:53 PM EDT Aug 11, 2013 www.wptz.com

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CLICK TO WATCH NEWS VIDEO OF THIS RESCUE

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. —After a couple of hours in the air, DJ O’Neill lands his Cessna in Plattsburgh, with a couple of furry passengers.

“We fly everything. Dogs, cats, rats, ferrets, parrots, you name it. If it fits, it flies,” said O’Neill.

The Lake Placid dentist works the occasional weekend as a courier pilot for Pilots N Paws.

The organization will call him or any other volunteer pilots when it needs someone to pick up a shelter animal and bring it to its new home.

“I take all the seats out, I can put dogs in. It works out perfect,” said O’Neill.

He said volunteering is an easy decision.

“One, I love to fly. Two, I love dogs. And three, I love to make a difference,” said O’Neill.

He certainly made a difference Sunday to Lilly and Max, two dogs from New Jersey. Their owner lost her home.

“And her only option was the animal shelter in New Jersey, and unfortunately that shelter is a kill facility and they have very limited time, especially with voluntary surrenders. Sometimes it’s as fast as 24 hours,” said Judy Belrose, a volunteer with Bridges to Safety, an animal rescue group.

Bridges to Safety found a new home for the pair in Plattsburgh, and worked with Pilots N Paws to fly them up.

Belrose says if not for all the volunteers and people willing to adopt, these dogs would have been lost.
“It’s hard, I get all teary every time I talk about it. They’d be dead and there’s no reason for that,” said Belrose.

She and O’Neill are both grateful to be a part of the process of saving these, and other animals.

“And to see these dogs go to good homes, otherwise they would have been put down, it makes me feel good,” said O’Neill.

Belrose reminds people to spay and neuter their pets. She says the more people who are willing to adopt a pet, the more animals can be saved.
Read more: https://www.wptz.com/news/vermont-new-york/plattsburgh/two-dogs-alive-thanks-to-local-pilot-volunteers/-/9277622/21423724/-/pgko98/-/index.html#ixzz2bo5TX1yX

One thought on “Two dogs alive thanks to local pilot, volunteers”

  1. Paul Gingrich says:

    It’s such a great feeling to work with individuals who are so willing to give back to those in need. Dr. O’Neill sure loves what he does by providing exceptional dentistry at High Peaks Dental and rescuing his animal friends.

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