Aspen is an 11 year old American Eskimo Dog who lived in the Detroit, MI area. He found himself unable to stay with his original owners because the children would not respect his space. Sadly after biting one in frustration, his mom and dad decided he might have to be put down. But, his dad found Eskie Rescue, who quickly located a foster home in Iowa and posted the need on the request board at Pilots N Paws.

Pilot Elain and Aspen meet foster mom Shelly.

Pilot George from Michigan and Pilot Elain who lives in Wisconsin, worked out the timing and logistics involved in a multi leg trip and planed to “go” on Saturday, June 30. Severe thunderstorms in the South Bend area popped up and scrubbed the flight. All parties agreed to try for the following weekend and many fingers were crossed. A perfect forecast for Saturday July 7 turned sour on Friday, and the group decided to try for Sunday the 8th. Sunday morning found an east west line of storms in the area, but they were slowly moving east and south and the decision was made to go.

Pilot George unloading Aspen.

Following a flurry of early morning cell phone calls, George met the owner at a small county airport and headed for a Michigan City meeting with Elain. George skirted the thunderstorms to his south all the way to Lake Michigan where he ducked in behind them and made the airport at Michigan City safe and sound, while passenger Aspen, blissfully unaware of the dangerous storms, napped in a pet carrier behind the seats of the 150. Elain and her co-pilot arrived two minutes behind George and his copilot/son, Staff Sergeant Chris, home on leave following a lengthy deployment overseas.

Resting up to be ready for his new life with an inflight nap.

Thanks to all involved and especially for the patience and flexibility from every person involved.

We thank our partners Subaru and Petmate.   Their support is critical to accomplishing our mission.