May 7^th, 2017 Todd and I started our 53rd Pilots N Paws Rescue at Moontown (3M5) airport.  Weather was cool and sunny skies. We took off to Walker county airport to meet Tracy Raburn.  We loaded 4 Sheppard mixes, 2 hound mixes, and one puny feeling little Sheppard mix puppy. Once aboard we took off to Bainbridge, Georgia KBGE.  We were ahead of schedule on departure, and a strong tail wind was pushing us to arrive 45 minutes early.  We slowed down to arrive in Bainbridge at the same time as our two transfer pilots, so the pups wouldn’t be sitting in a hot airplane for 45 minutes.  We were meeting two pilots because some of the puppies were going to Orlando and some to Tampa. While in the air we were getting notices that one of the pilots had a fuel leak. Pilot Jonathan ended up taking all 7 puppies to Orlando Executive. Pilot Gary drove from Tampa to meet with Jonathan to pick up puppies that were going to Tampa. All dogs were transferred to Jonathan airplane without incident.  The one puppy that was not feeling well had an in-flight accident. He managed to quirt poop all over the crate (and a little outside the crate). Good thing I carry wipes, gloves, trash bags, and air freshener.  On a positive note, this little guy was feeling much better afterwards.

The ride home was bumpy.  We flew as low as altitude as possible to minimize the head wind.  At least the pups didn’t have the same rough ride, or there may have been even more accidents!  Another positive note, we got to fly directly over the Talladega 500 while they were racing.  Way cool. 

As with all freedom flights, this one was particularly complex and chaotic (organized chaos), but ended very successful without much deviation or delay.  We appreciate how hard PilotsNPaws staff, the volunteers, and the flight crews work facilitating constantly changing dogs, destinations, times, and weather.

Unfortunately many others aren’t as lucky, and as you all know, the only answer to this devastating issue is to spay/neuter/rescue. All of these dogs are really sweet, and they deserve to be curled up on the living room floor at night not tossed out like trash.

Cessna N2858F

Todd & Mary Brooks