Can you tell us a little about yourself and how did you come up with Pilots N Paws’ idea?
I have always had a deep connection with
animals. I am a retired nurse, have raised Morgan Horses for 25 years, and
share my life with my wonderful husband, two Dobermans, one Lhasa Apso who
definitely rules, and of course our barn kitties. Prior to Pilots N Paws, I was one of the
founding members of a rescue organization known as Doberman Assistance Network,
a national Doberman rescue group. When we lost our 12 year old Doberman to
cancer, we wanted our next dobie family member to be a rescue dog. The perfect dog for our family ended up being
in Florida and we are in South Carolina.
Due to his condition, we knew he was used as a sparring partner to teach
other dogs how to fight. We had to bring
him home, of that, there was no question.
I asked a group of friends if anyone was traveling my direction from
Florida. Our friend in Tennesse who is a
pilot with a private plane replied that he would just fly over, pick up my
husband and fly to Florida and bring our boy home to us.
I was astounded at his generous offer. After the flight he asked if
there was a need to move rescue animals. After sharing the trials of ground transportation,
the only means available to rescue groups to move these animals , he agreed that we needed
to do something. I knew rescue work, he
knew pilots and told me that they are always looking for a good reason to
fly. What better reason then to save a
life? The name Pilots N Paws immediately
came to my mind and with that, the program literally took flight. I feel strongly that it is our
responsibility, as humans, to be the guardians for animals others have
abandoned, abused, or simply can no longer care for. If we don’t, who will?