Scott Messinger flew a missoin for the Darlington Humane Society, Almost Home Rescue, and All 4 Paws. The plan was to be back in Philadelphia by dinner. Sure, Piece of Cake. Enter Mr. Murphy once again – he struck the prior week as well when he stormed in Scott.

He landed in Florence, SC, loaded up 24 dogs, and taxied out.  They were all eager to be on their way. Then it happened. The engine coughed. That’s not really a good thing when one is about to take off. So, they taxied back, unloaded the dogs, and waited for repairs. Darlington Humane had to take the dogs back to keep them till the next day while the flight waited for parts.

While there, they visited the Darlington Shelter and saw just how overrun with dogs they really are. Moms and pups, seniors, and as always plenty of unwanted hounds. Three animal control officers WITHIN THE HOUR came by with strays to drop off. People kept dropping off dogs all morning even during a drenching rainstorm. This shelter is out in the country, and it does not receive the funding nor publicity that the larger Florence Shelter does. They are in desperate need for people to adopt dogs out of their shelter.

Workers at the Darlington Humane Society do as much as they can to help the animals with what they have. The dogs live outside in pens, no floors, no roofs except for one building. No AC in the sweltering summers of SC, and no heat during the winters, except for some portable heaters. They work miracles, considering how little they have.

Day 2 came and the plane was fixed. So, they loaded up all dogs again, taxied out… And the engine coughed. Again.

Another night in SC. No overnight bags. Same clothes for 2 days. Not even a toothbrush. (They did break down buy a couple.) Finally, day 3 arrived sunny and beautiful, and they had a great flight up the coast to Wings Field near Philadelphia. Everything ended as it should, and all receivers and dogs were happy.

We probably didn’t smell too pleasant, or look too good after 2 days in the same clothes, but the Rescues didn’t seem to mind at all.