Below is a story of a beautiful Flight to Freedom that my friend and I performed that we’re excited to be share with the PNP Community.  The sending organization founder passed away shortly after the rescue took place, and she did so suddenly.  Her legacy needs to be acknowledged. 

On April 15^th, in a last minute arrangement, Pilot Bob Wagner hooked up with a requestor by the name of Robin Kaplan, founder of All Breeds Rescue & Referral, Inc.  Robin had a sweet little Maltese named Rosie that she needed a Freedom Flight to an adopter she had previously adopted to…June and Terry Bond.  Bob brought partner Bill Peters up to speed and we were all on a conference call a few minutes later.  Arrangements were made to pick up Rosie at Mid-Ohio Regional Airport in Parkersburg WV the next day and fly her to Martin State Airport in Middle River, MD where she would meet up with her forever parents June and Terry and then on to her forever home. 

We met up with Robin at the Airport in Parkersburg WV after narrowly missing a wild turkey on the runway!  We spent about an hour on the ground with her and it was obvious to see her true rescue nature.  Her car had about 4 other dogs in it who were all out for a ride.  She was a very sweet person and we were glad to have met her.  We had specific instructions to photograph Rosie being handed to us by Robin. We were happy to comply!

We took off for the hour long flight to MD.  Rosie got to sit up front and co-pilot the flight!  She seemed to enjoy flying (who wouldn’t) and got a beautiful view of Baltimore on our approach.  We landed and met up with June and Terry.  They were thrilled to get their new bundle of joy. We sat and talked with June and Terry for a while. It was interesting to see this but Bob is a Steelers fan and June and Terry are Ravens fans.  Bob and Terry both had their corresponding team sweatshirts on.  At no other point in history has a Steelers fan been a friend with any Ravens fan!  Feel the love!   Bob and I made an instant connection with June and Terry and remain in contact.  How could we not…they presented us with Bergers fudge covered cookies!  We had no idea but these little gems were famous in MD!  Needless to say, Bob and I were wide awake on the flight back to Home base in Allentown PA!  

Rosie has adjusted well and is living the life all Dogs should…surrounded with love and affection and giving it back to her new Mom and Dad!

Lastly, a very sad note to add to our happy story.  Robin Kaplan passed away rather suddenly about 3 weeks after this rescue took place.  Bob and I could clearly see her dedication to her Dogs and finding them homes.  Even as she was going to the Hospital by ambulance, all she was worried about was who was going to take care of her Dogs.  We are so glad to have known her…even if was for a short time.  It was especially hard on June and Terry as they have known her for some time.  Her legacy lives on through All Breeds Rescue and Referral Inc. They continue to do the work she so dearly held close to her.  A mission that PilotsNPaws is in support of also.

Thank you,

Bob Wagner, PNP Pilot