By Judith Texier,

Mitch flight Cookie and Diesel

The photo of the pair was compelling taken in a concrete, whitewashed kennel at a high kill rural shelter in North Carolina. Two pinched faces, a bonded pair, dumped by their owner. Hopelessness and terror sharing a dog cot days before euthanasia. Making matters worse Cookie (a boxer mix) and Diesel (a loping plott hound) were not particularly attractive.

Cooke and Diesel

Against the odds at the 11th hour, a CrisisDogsNC foster family in Salisbury, NC came forward. There they stayed for a peaceful and well-fed five months, two happy and gentle dogs. There was one adoption tryout in Asheville, but the pair were soon returned to their foster via PNP pilot Mitch Armanate’s Cessna T210. The reason: “too young and active.” Months later a more promising call came in from Asheville, again. A family with four children, one of whom was autistic, a kind and patient couple with a stunning and secure home. Thankfully, they wanted both dogs even as young and active as they were. Maple Cookie, as we named her, and Diesel were again in flight.

Three months later Maple Cookie was gazing out the window of Ken Menzie’s Cessna172, heading to a foster home in Raleigh. The little dog grew too protective of the most vulnerable child. The Homeowners Association did not appreciate Maple Cookie’s vigilance and wanted her gone.

Maple Cookie is back in foster, waiting for a home where her loyalty will be welcomed. Contact CrisisDogsNC and we will fly this sweet girl to you….hopefully for a final homeward bound flight!

Maple Cookie in the plane

Judith Texier is the founder of CrisisDogsNC which rescues dogs at risk and match-makes them with adoptive families. CrisisDogsNC regularly uses PNP.

Subaru and Petmate are proud sponsors of Pilots N Paws.