After more than two months of being grounded due to weather or runway conditions at my home field, I was able to get back in the game and help some really needy pups with two rescue flights over the weekend.

Rescue Flight #58: On Saturday we picked up 4 dogs from Montgomery, NC (43A) that were on the shelter’s “short list” (not a good thing). The dogs had been pulled by a rescue group in Leesburg, VA and are in the process of being adopted into forever homes. We met the next pilot in the relay, Barry Schultz, at the Blackstone Army Airfield in VA (KBKT). I’ve been there once before on a Sunday when its usually deserted. This time – not so much. When we landed there were at least 6 Chinooks and just as many Black Hawk helicopters on the field. The 82nd Airborne was conducting a military exercise and it was an honor to be in the landing pattern with these guys!

Rescue Flight #59: On Sunday morning we picked up 9 dogs from Person County, NC (KTDF). All 9 of the dogs had been rescued by Chances Angel Rescue and fostered by a team of remarkable volunteers as they were nursed back to health. We left Durham with 3 empty crates knowing we’d be provided more by the group. We met the next pilot in Louisa, VA (southeast of Charlottesville KLKU) who flew the last leg to Blue Bell, PA.

I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating: the contribution we provide as volunteer pilots pales in comparison to the work of rescue groups that work tirelessly to save these animals!

-PNP Pilot Rick Gutlon