Hurricane Matthew caused epic and historical flooding in NC and SC.  Several animal shelters were destroyed and others inaccessible except by boat.  Many shelters, which opened for humans, didn’t allow pets.  Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Rapid Response (Asheville, NC) and many other awesome rescue groups rushed to the flooded areas and began search and rescue of the animals left behind.  Jamie Stillwachs, BWAR Coordinator, posted an urgent request to Pilots N Paws that 70 plus animals already residing in area shelters needed transport out to make room for incoming flood dogs and cats. Obtaining health certificates (for interstate transport) proved very difficult as the few veterinarians in the area were also affected…some had been evacuated & others had to navigate road closures to get to the animal shelters.

After several days of waiting for their passengers, Pilot John Farthing and wife Pam flew the first of several Pilots N Paws transports out of North & South Carolina. Their first stop after departing their Raleigh area airport was Marion Co. SC. Even though Marion was under water, their first passenger was not a victim of flooding.

“Maizey,” a Beagle puppy, had been found in a plastic garbage bag beside a rural SC road. Blind & her back legs disabled, SC rescuer Thea Boucher fostered & sought medical care as Karyn Adams Pirl requested PNP transport of the tiny 10 week old girl to her NJ rescue “Safe and Sound Animal Rescue.”

Since the Farthing’s would be picking up dogs in nearby (flooded) Columbus Co. NC, they were eager to make room for Maizey.  Upon arriving at the Columbus Co. airport, they were greeted by Joey Prince, Columbus County Animal Control and passengers “Sanford,” “Dawn” and “Rylan.”

Loaded and wheels up, they flew to Farmville, VA Regional Airport where they were met by Pilot Shawn Sutton & Pilot Matthew Marcy. After the dogs had stretched their legs (yes, even Maizey), they continued their freedom flights. Pilot Sutton delivered Maizey to Karyn Pirl in NJ and Pilot Marcy delivered his charges to Katie Dixon in MD.  All will receive additional vetting before going to their forever homes.

Maizey with foster Thea Boucher & Pam Farthing at Marion County SC airport

Pilot John Farthing, Officer Joey Prince (Columbus County (NC) Animal Control) and “Dawn”. Whiteville, NC

L to R
Two wonderful Farmville airport employees with “Dawn” and “Sanford”, Pilot Matt Marcy,  Pilot Shaun Sutton with “Rylan” and Pam Farthing with “Maizey”

“Maizey” greeting Karyn Pirl in NJ

From John & Pam Farthing:
We’re honored to volunteer with Pilots N Paws and to be a small part of the huge effort to rescue lost/neglected/abused animals. Each transport is memorable not only because of our passengers’ “back stories”,  but we’re also aware of the devoted humans that helped get them to us. We’re humbled by the rescuers who pull from shelters, nurse those injured both physically and emotionally, teach them manners and network to find them forever homes.  Thank you!