I’ve been following the PNP forum for a couple of years. As a relatively new pilot, I had lots of questions and concerns – how to equip myself and the Archer to handle animals, etc. And timing was never convenient – even remotely – until this past weekend (April 28).

My wife and I had flown from Ames IA to Lake of the Ozarks to celebrate our 22nd anniversary, and I had offered to fly a couple of pups back north (to Davenport, actually). Jo put together a great 3-leg plan, which started in Tyler TX, then to the Tulsa OK area, then to us.  My wife and I met the second leg pilot just after noon. I had no equipment (editor’s note: PNP pilots, please request free crates from crates@pilotsnpaws.org), no experience, but Dave and his wife Debbie were very patient, helping me to pack 3 puppies in the airplane, along with all the luggage we had with us from the weekend trip. (That Archer was carrying more than ever before – well within W&B, but packed like crazy!) Once in the air, they all slept just great, and Diane and Debbie in Davenport met us as planned.

I’ve attached a couple of photos.  The pup hanging out the door of the plane (before we launched) is Sassy, and she stole everyone’s heart! In the group photo, to my left is my wife (I think we caught her off guard) and then Diane and Debbie from the New Beginnings rescue in the Quad Cities. Gwen is the bigger dog, then Sassy and Roadie. (I’ve attached a few other photos; we were so busy getting the dogs moved from Dave’s airplane to ours that taking photos was a ‘back-burner’ item!)

  The back story on Gwen is heart-breaking, but I suspect all of these rescue animals have tough back-stories.  In her case, she evidently had a litter of pups, which apparently were taken from her. So here’s a sweet-heart of a dog who had the loves of her life taken from her before she had a chance to raise them.  She’s going through some stressful times, but she’s now in caring hands. I’m sure New Beginnings will find her the perfect fur-ever home.

Anyhow, working with the coordinator (Jo) and the other two pilots and the ladies from Davenport was a fulfilling and humbling experience, seeing so many people who’s hearts and efforts are poured into the lives of these puppies.  We can hardly wait until our next mission!

Steve, PNP Pilot