Jeanine Kahrs, with the Marshall County Humane Society, hands Mimi to pilot Todd Smith, a volunteer with Pilots N Paws.

By BARRY BURLESON
Editor, The South Reporter Online

Ingrid Steiner-Wedige said it’s a match that was meant to be.

She lives in Stillman Valley, IL. She found just the pet she was looking for down South in Marshall County.

“Mimi is the perfect dog,” said Wedige, via telephone from her home. “She’s gentle, calm, a real smart little girl. Everything just fell into place.”

But it didn’t happen all that easily.

About two years ago Wedige and her husband Mark had lost their dog, a border collie and St. Bernard mix, to cancer. They had searched and searched for one similar to replace her, mostly via Petfinder.com. They wanted to adopt one that had been rescued.

“I looked for a long time,” Wedige said. “Everything we wanted was in the South, far away.”

They got close several times, but either the puppy was already adopted or out-of-state adoption was not available.

“We kept missing out,” Wedige said.

Then she saw Mimi, a white dog with black markings, available from the Marshall County Humane Society and e-mailed Jeanine Kahrs.

“They loved Mimi’s photograph,” Kahrs said, “but we thought there would be no way to work out all the details of checking the home and references and getting the little dog (three months old) to a place so far away. But they had been looking for a dog with this look for two years after losing one who looked so much like her, so Mimi seemed to be the one for them.”

The Marshall County Humane Society found a Labrador Rescue group that was willing to do a home visit with the family.

“We got very good reports from them and their veterinary reference,” Kahrs said. “So, our group had to figure out a way to get little Mimi to her new home, which was 10 hours away from us.”

Someone mentioned checking with Pilots N Paws, which transports animals all over the country just to help them get to new homes.

“The flights are all donated by the pilots,” Kahrs said. “They receive no compensation for their time, or fuel. Their travel board is filled with requests from all over the country daily, and these caring pilots are willing to make these journeys to make a difference for the deserving animals.”

The plan was for the pilot, Todd Smith, who assisted with this specific request, to pick up Mimi at the Olive Branch Airport and then another pilot would do the second leg of the journey from St. Louis, MO.

“But Mother Nature intervened,” Kahrs said, “and the weather went bad, and the journey could not be done in one day.

“Our special pilot (Smith) volunteered to foster Mimi overnight until we could determine how the second leg would be done.”

As it turned out, the stormy weather continued through the weekend. So Smith drove Mimi to Lincoln, IL, where he met Wedige.

“She’s smaller than our other dog, but that doesn’t matter; we love her,” Wedige said. “We’ve very happy with her.”

“She is never far from our sides when outside. House training has been a breeze. We are working on teaching her to ring the bells hanging on the door to let us know she needs to go out.

“We cannot thank Jeanine (Kahrs) enough for taking the time to find someone in our area to do a home check and for considering adopting her to an out-of-state home.”

Link To Original Story

Cliff at his new home

At Pilots N Paws we love to hear stories from those who adopt rescue animals flown by our volunteer pilots. We recently heard from Cliff’s family, the Schmidt’s, who adopted him in February 2011.

Their story is one of chance meeting. The week before Christmas 2010 their Hazel died; she had been in their family for 16 years. The Schmidt’s knew that everyone in their family, including their other dog Beatrice, needed a friend.

As Wally and his wife, Mickey talked about what to do, Cliff’s picture appeared in their local paper. The article mentioned that Cliff had been rescued in Savannah, GA and taken to a shelter that could not keep older dogs and would have to put him down unless rescued.  A group called Pilots N Paws chose to give him the “flight of his life” to a shelter called Happily Ever After (HEA) in Marion, WI.

The Best of Friends: Cliff and Beatrice

“Well the picture of Cliff was all we needed, we called HEA and adopted him Last February. He and Beatrice are the best of friends and he is GREATLY LOVED by us, our family and our friends. He may only get to fly once in his lifetime but THANKS to you folks however much lifetime he has left is going to be GREAT for Cliff & all of us” said Wally.

Cliff’s story was published in the local paper, The County Post, which is copied below:

OLD SOUTHERN DOG GETS NEW NORTHERN HOME

By Lori Schneider

Mickey Schmidt (left) with Cliff, a stray from Georgia

Wally and Mickey Schmidt have a new four-legged friend at home, thanks to Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, Inc., (HEA) who runs pictures of dogs in need of adoption in the County Post East. HEA is home to approximately 70 dogs. One of them was old Cliff.

This little southern gentleman is around 10 years old, was picked up as a stray near Savannah, Georgia, ending up at the city shelter. He was then put aboard a Pilots N Paws transport to Wisconsin. Cliff was living in a Green Bay foster home, part of the HEA process.

“When we saw his picture in the County Post, there was just something that said ‘check it out’,” said Wally Schmidt. “Our first priority was to get a non-allergenic, non-shedding dog,” said Wally. “We knew Cliff would fit that criteria.”

“We had to have our 13-year old Hazel put to sleep a few days before Christmas and that left us with our 11-year old Beatrice,” explains Mickey. “We had been thinking about getting a puppy, but after seeing Cliff’s picture, we thought maybe an older dog might be a better fit.” The Schmidt’s contacted the Happily Ever Animal Sanctuary in Marion and were able to set up a visit with Cliff at his foster home in Green Bay.

“We threw this up to God and said that if this is the right thing to do and it will work out for Beatrice, please make it happen, says Mickey. “I guess it was meant to be.”

Once he got adopted, and made his way to the Schmidt’s large, old home in New London, Cliff adjusted nicely.

“I was a bit concerned because the foster mom said he didn’t like being held, said Mickey. “And she said he growled if you pet him.” After a few days, Mickey’s lap was a regular resting spot for Cliff. As for the growling, it’s more like a purr of thanks for getting some attention.

Cliff gets along fine with Beatrice too, and since they are close to the same age, they meshed rather quickly. Cliff has more energy than the Schmidt’s thought he would and are happy that he likes to rollick and is frisky.

A trip to the family veterinarian revealed that somewhere along the way both of Cliff’s kneecaps were displaced, but he gets along fine. He jumps around and has lots of energy. He will most likely go blind within a few years, but he’ll be used to the house.

The Schmidt’s are happy with their older dog decision. “Cliff is doing the best he can with what he’s got going, and we’re happy he’s now part of the family.”

Link To Original Story

By Janice Wood, General Aviation News

Being a pilot is much more than having a passion for flight. True pilots enjoy using their passion to help others. That’s why pilots in Port Lavaca, Texas, recently took flight to complete a very special mission and help two organizations, Pilots N Paws and Great Escape Rescued K9s.

Each year, the volunteers of Pilots N Paws save thousands of lives. Those lives come in the form of any animal that can be transported using a plane. Dogs, cats, pigs, reptiles and rabbits are just a few who have taken one of their flights.

The flight began at Calhoun County Airport (PKV) with pilots Dianna Stanger and Mike Solomon departing into a clear beautiful sky on an IFR flight plan. The mission: To transport a 4-year-old German Shepherd, “Sista,” to Cleburne Regional Airport (south of Fort Worth) and transport a second dog, Buddy, who was rescued from a kill shelter in Arlington on the return flight.

Pet overpopulation is a disturbing problem in the United States. More than 4 million no-longer-wanted pets are euthanized each year. While spay/neuter programs have worked to decrease domestic animal populations in some parts of the country, other areas are considered high-kill. About 70% of dogs that enter shelters in the southern part of the country are euthanized. Until now, there have been few options for these innocent victims. Pilots N Paws is helping to change that.

Chyrl Burris, co-founder/co-director of Great Escape Rescued K9s, brought the German Shepherd to PKV. “We started Great Escape last summer when we were made aware of the plight of hundreds of German Shepherds being killed in kill shelters in Los Angeles,” she said. “We decided we were going to try to help save some.” Since then they have rescued 50 dogs in Texas and 39 in California. They also rehabilitate the rescue dogs to help them find a home.

Stanger said, “Sista was a very sweet girl who seemed to sense that any journey she was on was taking her to a better place than the list she had been on to be euthanized. The little girl, Kylie Delafuentes, who got Sista will have a friend for life as Sista touched everyone the day we moved her — she could’ve easily been adopted four times just while we had her.”

“It was great from the very beginning when we met our young German Shepherd passenger for the flight,” Solomon commented, “with the aircraft doors wide open, the dog jumped right in just like she’s been riding in airplanes for years. She was calm and relaxed the whole flight, I didn’t much notice she was there, except to pose for the occasional in-flight pictures with her.”

“Buddy, a sweet little guy, took the back seat over and then insisted on trying to join us in the cockpit while flying to his new family back in Victoria,” Dianna added with a smile.

Looking at the request board on the Pilots N Paws website will give you an idea of the hundreds of dogs a day that need to get somewhere. The site provides a location where private pilots willing to contribute free transport, and people and organizations who rescue, shelter or foster animals, can connect to save lives. Today the organization, Pilots N Paws, has 2,466 pilot volunteers and 8,281 volunteers.

As this was the first time for both pilots to fly for Paws N Pilots, but it won’t be the last. “It’s something I hope to do often. It’s doing something I love, and at the same time helping bring a deserving animal who would otherwise face euthanasia to a loving family.” Mike said, “Who wouldn’t want to do that?”

Mike has flown over 160 hours. He has a high performance endorsement and around 15 hours in a high performance airplane. “As for IFR, I’m about 10 hours into my training. My goal is to progress through my training to the point where aviation becomes my chosen career.”

People who read this article also read articles on airparks, airshow, airshows, avgas, aviation fuel, aviation news, aircraft owner, avionics, buy a plane, FAA, fly-in, flying, general aviation, learn to fly, pilots, Light-Sport Aircraft, LSA, and Sport Pilot.

Congratulations Pilots N Paws for being issued our Dog Rescue and Relief Award!

We only issue this award to organizations that have made great efforts to save dogs and puppies and strive to give all canines a better life.

We strongly feel that Pilots N Paws is responsible for not only saving countless dog’s lives but also for improving the quality of life for many animals.  While there are countless dog lovers in the world, very few strive to make the world a better place for dogs everywhere and we thank you for that.

We are pleased to present Pilots N Paws with our Dog Rescue & Relief Award.

We thank you for all the time and hard work your organization provides for dogs in need.  We understand what a difficult task this can be and hope that this token of our appreciation will show you how much you really are valued in the hearts of all dog owners.

-Steven, Chief Editor, Puppy Potty Training

Written by Erin Donovan (Special thank you to Erin and WBIR for your continued support of Pilots N Paws)

Photos: Courtesy of Erin Donovan, WBIR

I got a text early this morning saying that a pilot was taking off from Jackson, Tennessee with a three-legged beagle and he was ready for our bushel of basset hounds.

It’s not everyday you get a text like this. Although sadly, everyday someone leaves a dog somewhere and they need a home. Luckily, now there’s an organization that helps make some long-distance connections possible.

Bassett hug me face!

A few years ago, a pilot was heading somewhere and a dog needed a lift to the same place. It was a win-win situation, and an animal rescue organization was born. Now, there are over 2000 pilots who help out Pilots N Paws.

Scott's PNP Puppy Plane!

It’s a pretty simple concept really. If a pilot is heading to a destination, they can check the website to see if there are any dogs that need to be taken to new forever homes. It is easier on many of the animals just to have one stop versus sitting in the car for a long time.

Now back to my text message. The pilot, Scott, and I had been talking back and forth about the trip. This after Deb Boies, the co-founder of the project emailed me about it.

Gotta love these bellyrubs

This wasn’t my first experience with Pilots N Paws. I did a story a few years ago for WBIR and USA Today on a flight to Illinois. This is when I learned about the project just getting off the ground. As an avid pet lover I was curious, but as I said before, it really is better for the animals and there are rescue groups and shelters across the nation that are willing to have dogs come to them because they have a better chance of finding them a home.

Anywhoo, Deb emailed me to tell me about the flight and she was pretty much giddy about Scott and his plane. He has a little beagle painted on the tail of the plane. Scott Messinger is no joke. He pretty much flies now just for the organization. He’s pretty passionate about it, too.

Beagles inside and out!

After a little parade of pooches through the terminal at TAC Air, the tail-waggin dogs were ready. I think it is an instinct that they know they are going to a better place. They loaded up, and were off!

Me next!

When we walked back into the terminal, we learned that an anonymous person had paid for the jet fuel for the dogs’ flight. Ok, yeah I got a little misty eyed. Even the folks around the terminal have an instinct to help the animals.

So 5 Basset Hounds from BellyRub Basset Rescue are on their way to a new place and hopefully they can howl all they want… when they land.

Bassett Parade, headed for our new lives!

 Please head to the WBIR website and share your comments: http://www.wbir.com/news/article/215695/8/Doggone-departure-from-Knoxville

Subaru and Petmate, Proud Partners of Pilots N Paws!

We're off to surf city, you know the way, right?

Westchester suffered for months not only with the hacking cough and pneumonia caused by canine influenza, but a virulent bone infection that was difficult to treat.

After several months spent recovering, Westchester was well enough to travel first class on a Hawker 800 jet to California thanks to Margo and Air Twiga Animal Rescue.  He will be in good hands going forward to continue his recovery and training. He is now happily romping in the blue waters at the beach, a far cry from the damp streets of Westchester St. in the Bronx. He is affectionate, loyal, trusting and has a long term lady friend named Lady White to keep him company. Because someone cared, he was given a chance to show us all just how forgiving a dog can be. Run and play Westchester, we hear surfing is fun!

Need any help there pilots?

Subaru and Petmate care about Pilots N Paws and the animals we safe, please like them on facebook!

Story Number 1:

Skipper is a border collie that was rescued from the Wichita Humane Society. His final destination of transport was Torrance Airport, CA, but it turns our his trip would take quite a few detours.

Skipper was transported from Wichita, KS to Albuquerque (ABQ) during the week/weekend preceding the final leg to CA. He and another border collie were stranded in ABQ by the snowstorm that clobbered the region on Sunday, including the closure of I-40. They went to board at a wonderful facility called Happy Tails, which was a lucky day for us. Dee Scenters, who owns the facility, called me on Monday to offer to drive the 2 dogs to Phoenix – said she was ready for a road trip.

Rudy, the other border collie, got off the train in Phoenix. Thanks to Dee, Skipper was in a position to take advantage of Zach’s offer to fly him to his final destination in southern California.

Skipper is now part of our rescue program, Border Collies in Need, located in San Pedro, CA. He is currently at my home as one of my fosters. He will be put up for adoption in the very near future once he is fully evaluated. He is such a nice dog and made himself right at home with all of my BCs without any issues. He is so handsome with a great temperament, that he will be a vapor trail once he is available for adoption. They just don’t come any nicer than this boy.

I would personally like to thank the collective efforts of each and every one of you who made it possible to save Skipper and the others on these transports. It’s truly amazing how you guys “think outside the kennel” to save these wonderful dogs. So thank you, Dee, Keith (overnighter), Maura (Skipper’s taxi to the airport) and Zach for the great teamwork!!

Suzanne

Story Number 2:

Teddy is a Springer who found it was his time to move out of California. He has severe seperation anxiety and is flying to Albuquerque to live with a friend of our family who suffered a stroke 6 years ago. Due to her stroke, she is homebound most of the time. She lost her dog a few months ago, and she and Teddy are going to save each other. She needs a companion, and Teddy needs this home where he will not be left alone.

I can tell you that Sue has not been this excited about anything in a long while and Teddy is going to be a happy, secure, loved dog for the rest of his life!

Sharyl

Story Number 3:

This flight started in Fullerton, CA and landed in Hayword CA. The ultimate destination was “Muttville” senior rescue. The rescue agreed to take in a shepherd mix and a Yorkie.

Wendy, Buddy, and Zach.

“Buddy” is a 9 year-old shepherd mix. He was found as stray, and his loving foster searched for his owners for 2 months. The foster just could not keep Buddy (she has a senior dog with cancer at home) and could not re-home Buddy on her own. He was at risk of going to the shelter until “Mutville” found space for him.

“Max” is a 8 year-old Yorkie who was stuck in the San Pedro shelter. “Muttville” senior rescue also made room for Max, giving him a chance to live out his years with a great family.

Thanks!
Michelle

Story Number 4:

I pulled both of these wonderful pit bulls, Barnaby and Carmel, from the Camarillo shelter. They were both favorites of shelter staff, and yet because the shelter gets so over-crowded, they were both in danger for euthanasia. Adopt-A-Bull is a great rescue I’ve worked with, and hey said they could take these special dogs. Both dogs were sick with upper respiratory infections, and so I had to medical board them until they were well enough to travel.  Thanks to Zach, for getting them to their rescue, safely and easily!! All of our volunteers at ALL FOR LOVE ANIMAL RESCUE are all so grateful for him.

Maripat

From Pilot Zach:

I just wanted to thank everyone involved in the two transports we did
this week. I think everything went pretty smooth and we moved some
really sweet dogs.

Best,
Zach

It’s not quite on approach yet…but the wait is almost over!

Author Patrick Regan reports that Dog Is My Copilot, his new book that recounts the founding of PNP and takes readers along on 25 life-saving rescue missions, will be available in stores on June 19.

And while we can’t get the book to you any sooner, we are thrilled to reveal its cover and offer a little preview.

After a months-long search for the perfect cover dog—and submissions of hundreds of great photos by PNP members—the honor finally went to “Chipper,” a rescued Border Collie that caught a ride from Idaho to Wyoming courtesy of two PNP pilots.

I’m lucky enough to have reviewed an advance copy of the book, and I can tell you that this book will touch readers on so many levels. Patrick’s unique ability as a writer truly conveys the passion behind every story. He is also generously donating a portion from the sale of each book to Pilots N Paws—THANK YOU PATRICK!

Once published, the book will be available at bookstores throughout the country–big chains and independents alike–as well as through online retailers like amazon.

You can peek inside the book—and pre-order your copy today—by clicking the amazon link below. Please share the news with your friends and family!

TIME.com profiles the story of “Charlie”

“Charlie” was saved from death more then once.  He was believed to have been used to train fighting dogs, a terrible plight for this sweet dog, and next found himself in a kill shelter. 

Charlie in Pilot Doug's car, headed to the airport!

 Thanks to caring rescue volunteers and four pilots who worked together to fly him to find his forever home, Charlie can run free and breath deeply knowing kindness abounds for him. 

Charlie meets his next pilots, Rob and Brad!

Thank you to Pilots Doug Weir, Rob McMasters, Brad Childs, Mahesh Sankaran and son Kirun for making these flights and to all the rescue volunteers involved.

Off we go on our last leg of the flight with Pilot Mahesh and son Kirun

  Here is the full story with special thanks to journalist David Grunebaum and Time.com !

http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,1458331583001_2108657,00.html

Ala. dogs on special flight to new home

Updated: Friday, 16 Mar 2012, 10:01 PM CDT
Published : Friday, 16 Mar 2012, 1:56 PM CDT

• Paige Malone