A little bit more than a week ago 4 lucky cats got on their way to a new life.  They were accepted by “Best Friends Animal Sanctuary” in Kanab, UT. 

 Going back in time – their life didn’t start that lucky.  All of them were rescued from Animal Control centers or vet offices or other rescue groups.  All of them were unwanted because they tested positive for FIV.  Somehow they ended up in Kristy M. foster care.  Nobody showed ever interest in adopting them.

Here's Hope!

Lucy ready for her trip!

Misty aka "Millie"

They call me "Big Gray"

After almost one year Best Friends said “Yes – we can take them”.  We had to get them there within 6 weeks or the place would have been given to another animal in need.

Because of Carolyn H. a rescue person who works since a while with an awesome rescue called “Pilots N Paws” the cats had a chance to get on their way just in time.  Carolyn worked almost a wonder.  She set up the transport in 2 weeks.  She was in contact with all pilots to make sure that all legs of the journey where covered and everybody knew when and where the kitties had to be.

“Pilots N Paws” is a non-profit group of pilots that are donating their time, money and air planes to fly rescue animals to their new homes or rescues. 

Early in the morning of May 22nd. the cats started their journey from Maurice, LA to Kanab, UT.  The first pilot met with us in Lake Charles.  The weather wasn’t really favorable for flying but Paul B. came anyway.  From Lake Charles they went to Arcola [Houston area].  There a rescued deaf Australian Sheppard jumped on board who also needed a rite to ABQ. 

First Pilot Paul B, loading the kitties!

 They went to Burnet with Norman H. to Odessa with Dom D. to Albuquerque with Dr. Kenneth S.  ABQ was planned for a overnight stay at Colleen H. house. 

Bella joins the kitties

 They came in late.  The weather was worsening.  So Richard H. the pilot for the last leg from ABQ to Kanab, UT decided to postpone the flight to the next day.

Dr. Kenneth meets Judy who will overnight the kitties

Pilots Norm and Pilot Dom load up their precious cargo

Pilot Norm and his co-pilot wife waiting to head home

Early in the morning of May 24th. Richard and his wife and the 4 lucky kitties started from ABQ.

Pilot Norm unloads his plane handing off to pilot Dom

They were picked up in Kanab by the cat world manager Michelle W. who later send out a message:  “they’re here and are settling in at Happy Landings”.  I attached a photo from the quarantine building at Best Friends but it was taking in winter.  And no – they don’t have snow in Kanab, UT in May – usually. 

Again – thank you so much to everybody helping to make this a successful journey for our 4 FIV+ kitties.  It was a pleasure to work with all of you.

Also a big Thank You to everybody who donated towards the cats trip. We couldn’t make it without the support of the community.

 More about Bella!

This goes out to Pilots Norman, Dom, Ken, Richard and Dwayne….thank you for helping Bella get to Amazing Aussies.  We also want to thank your wives, loved ones… or significant others that support you, and the rescue of animals.   You are incredible!   Thank you for being a part of Pilots N Paws too.  

Bella gets a lift from Dr.Kenneth and his co-pilot!

I also want to thank some great coordinators/organizers and pilots…….Carolyn, Joan, DJ, Denise, ….you offered so much advice…I appreciated it beyond belief.  Thank you for sharing your knowledge and I hope that we can save more dogs together.  

 We are pleased to share this video of Bella’s journey from Amazing Aussies Lethal White Rescue of Arizona and Pilots N Paws. Julie, our amazing volunteer and foster mom to Bella prepared this as Bella’s first video of her journey to a new life.  We hope that you enjoy it!  There will be more pictures and videos to come.  We will post them to FB as produced. 

Appropriately name Happy Landings at Best Friends Sanctuary

Last flight to Best Friends with pilot Richard